He did not so much follow his father's example as his father's vision.

John Hay on Lincoln: "He always worked with things as they were, while never relinquishing the desire to make them better.

John Hay indicates that dealing with people directly as a holder of political office "requires a stronger heart and a more obedient nervous system than I possess.

Good luck belongs to those who know how and are not afraid." John Hay to President Theodore Roosevelt

Behind those thick glasses (of TR's) was a man who did not blink.

John Hay points to our our history of getting lost in suffering when, "so close together were pain and antidote.

I like to introduce myself, because THEN I can get in all the facts." The usually self-deprecating John Hay on the ironic formality of signing his own commission as Secretary of State.

He had no desire to grandstand for his country or himself.

If he could be hard on kings and cabinets, he was invariably kind to his colleagues.

The Admiral so regrets failure, he cannot THINK of success.

In this slipshod age, we need object lessons in language and thought. – Edith Wharton on an address by John Hay

Great power requires great character if it is to be a blessing and not a curse, and that character is something we only grow toward.

Knowledge does not come through force. it can not be taken, it can only be freely received.

There is no substitute for a militant freedom.

The difference between a 'wise guy' and a wise man is plenty!

I have lost all sense of home, having moved about so much. It means to me now--only that place where the books are kept.

Every morning you have a choice. Are you going to be a positive thinker or a negative thinker? Positive thinking will energize you.

When I testified in front of Congress, I know that I was testifying under oath and I told the truth.

Curiosity is part of the cement that holds society together.

A MAN FEARED A man feared that he might find an assassin; Another that he might find a victim. One was more wise than the other.

In pitch dark I go walking in your landscape Broken branches Trip me as I speak Just 'cause you feel it Doesn't mean it's there... We are accidents waiting Waiting to happen.