There's probably a little greater case for pessimism than optimism. But I do not rule out optimism.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

There are words bandied about that are being misused - words like 'socialism,' words like 'communism,' words like 'fascism.

No activity I know is more of a confidence builder and at the same time more 'humility training' than wrestling.

Iraqis have held elections and have recently put together their government, all encouraging developments.

It is hard to cement any relations with any country based on promises that may not be deliverable.

A government of, by and for the people is obligated to conduct the nation's business in a manner that respects dissent.

The arts and humanities are vastly more important in troubled times.

History provides a sense of where we've been and lessons that can be taken forward.

The majority of U.S. high school students don't know within 50 years when the Civil War occurred.

America is very decentralized in how it supports the humanities, unlike European countries where virtually everything stems from the central government.

Knowledge is so comforting, but so is mystery.

A truth told once is no match for a lie oft repeated.

I burn the way money burns.

I was happy in the midst of dangers and inconveniences.

So I step into the future, as bravely as I'm able, with my heart longing for a time I'll never see again.

All my actions have their rise in my inalienable love of mankind.

I had an extraordinary belief in myself. For years people told me to give it up and even though I was poverty- stricken, I never thought I should give it up.

The history of struggle is rich with stories of heroes and heroines - some of them leaders, some of them followers, all of them deserve to be remembered.

His purity was too great, his aspiration too high for this poor, miserable world! His great soul is now only enjoying that for which it was worthy!

Was ever poet so trusted before?