The quote database

The defining character of American constitutional government is its constant tension between security and liberty, serving both by partial helpings of each.

If I’m going to fall, I don’t want to fall back on anything, except my faith.

It’s also about knowing what you know and what you don’t know. It’s about being open to people and ideas.

So I ask you today: How many ghosts are going to be around your bed when your time comes?

You will fail at some point in your life. Accept it. You will lose. You will embarrass yourself. You will suck at something. There is no doubt about it.

The point is, every graduate here today has the training and the talent to succeed. But do you have guts to fail?

Chide me when I do anything that is not well, but then make haste to tell me that you have forgiven me, and that you are what I shall ever be, a faithful friend.

I shall never be persuaded that marriage has a charm to raise love out of nothing, much less out of dislike

If you love me you will; and if you do not, I shall never love myself.

Our constitutional system amply provides for the protection of minorities by means other than giving them majority control of state legislatures.

When I see the spirit of liberty in action, I see a strong principle at work; and this, for a while, is all I can possibly know of it.

The Revolution was made to preserve our ancient indisputable laws and liberties, and that ancient constitution of government which is our only security for law and liberty.

Perhaps when all is written courageously, I shall have no courage left to publish it.

See that you do nothing like a sheep; but if you do, in this case also the man is lost.

Does it seem to you so small and worthless a thing to be good and happy?

Wretch, you are carrying about a god with you, and you know it not.

I am by Nature made for my own good; not for my own evil.

If you have assumed a character beyond your strength, you have both played a poor figure in that, and neglected one that is within your powers.

To state the problem is to recall the truth that no single principle can answer all of life's complexities.

It is better for those who have almost unlimited power of government in their hands to err on the side of freedom.

Let your doubt be to yourself, your decision to them.

It is as impossible in a book to teach a person in charge of sick how to manage, as it is to teach her how to nurse.

If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for.

You have summoned me in my weakness; you must sustain me by your strength.

One must subject oneself to one's own tests that one is destined for independence and command, and do so at the right time.