The truth is that history constantly presents new problems in the guise of old.

The achievement of nationhood is a product not only of time and circumstance but usually of war and suffering as well.

The accounts that history presents have to be paid. Past has to be reconciled with present in the life of a nation. History is an insistent force: the past is what put us where we are. the past cannot be put behind until it is settled with.

Europeans believe in democracy - or, at least, in republican government - but they have considered the alternatives, and continue to do so, and that scandalizes Americans.

The center holds; passion falls away. That is what happened ideologically in Western Europe over recent years.

The problems of elites is an old one for which Americans have found no solid answer.

For four hundred years European civilization has dominated the world - for better or for worse. It is convenient, and flattering, for Americans to assume that this is all over; but it very rash to do so.