The idea that the profits of capital are really the rewards of a just society for the foresight and thrift of those who sacrificed the immediate pleasures of spending in order that society might have productive capital, had a certain validity in the early days of capitalism, when productive enterprise was frequently initiated through capital saved out of modest incomes.

There must be a realm of truth beyond political competence, that's why there must be a separation of churches, but if religion is bad and a bad religion is one that gives an ultimate sanctity to some particular cause.

Frantic orthodoxy is never rooted in faith but in doubt. It is when we are unsure that we are doubly sure.

I thank heaven I have often had it in my power to give help and relief, and this is still my greatest pleasure. If I could choose my sphere of action now, it would be that of the most simple and direct efforts of this kind.

The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.

The sad duty of politics is to establish justice in a sinful world.

It is the evil in man that makes democracy necessary, and man's belief in justice that makes democracy possible.