Original sin is that thing about man which makes him capable of conceiving of his own perfection and incapable of achieving it.

A wise architect observed that you could break the laws of architec75tural art provided you had mastered them first. That would apply to religion as well as to art. Ignorance of the past does not guarantee freedom from its imperfections.

Reason is not the sole basis of moral virtue in man. His social impulses are more deeply rooted than his rational life.

The prophet himself stands under the judgment which he preaches. If he does not know that, he is a false prophet.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Grant me the patience with changes that take time, appreciation of all that I have, tolerance of those with different struggles, and the strength to get up and try again, one day at a time.

There are historic situations in which refusal to defend the inheritance of a civilization, however imperfect, against tyranny and aggression may result in consequences even worse than war.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love.