Ideals are an imaginative understanding of that which is desirable in that which is possible.

Men fall into a routine when they are tired and slack: it has all the appearance of activity with few of its burdens.

We are concerned in public affairs, but immersed in our private ones.

When all think alike, then no one is thinking

A democracy which fails to concentrate authority in an emergency inevitably falls into such confusion that the ground is prepared for the rise of a dictator.

A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society. ... A great society is simply a big and complicated urban society.

I do not despise genius-indeed, I wish I had a basketful of it. But yet, after a great deal of experience and observation, I have become convinced that industry is a better horse to ride than genius. It may never carry any man as far as genius has carried individuals, but industry-patient, steady, intelligent industry-will carry thousands into comfort, and even celebrity; and this it does with absolute certainty.