When philosophers try to be politicians they generally cease to be philosophers.

In really hard times the rules of the game are altered. The inchoate mass begins to stir. It becomes potent, and when it strikes, it strikes with incredible emphasis. Those are the rare occasions when a national will emerges from the scattered, specialized, or indifferent blocs of voters who ordinarily elect the politicians. Those are for good or evil the great occasions in a nation's history.

Many a time I have wanted to stop talking and find out what I really believed.

No mariner ever enters upon a more uncharted sea than does the average human being born in the 20th century. Our ancestors know their way from birth through eternity; we are puzzled about the day after tomorrow.

Social movements are at once the symptoms and the instruments of progress. Ignore them and statesmanship is irrelevant; fail to use them and it is weak.

Modern men are afraid of the past. It is a record of human achievement, but its other face is human defeat.

The whole speculation about morality is an effort to find a way of living which men who live it will instinctively feel is good.