WIST Quotations

Forster, E. M. -- “The Unsung Virtue of Tolerance,” radio broadcast (Jul 1941)

Dave — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:36:48 +0000

I have no more faith in positive militant ideals; they can so seldom be carried out without thousands of human beings getting maimed or imprisoned. Phrases like “I will purge this nation,” “I will clean up this city,” terrify and disgust me. They might not have mattered so much when the world was emptier: they are horrifying now, when one nation is mixed up with another, when one city cannot be organically separated from its neighbours.

E. M. Forster (1879–1970) English novelist, essayist, critic, librettist [Edward Morgan Forster]
“The Unsung Virtue of Tolerance,” radio broadcast (Jul 1941)

Published as "Tolerance," Two Cheers for Democracy (1951).

Reagan, Ronald -- Speech (10 Aug 1988)

Dave — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:27:45 +0000

Blood that has soaked into the sands of a beach is all of one color. America stands unique in the world: the only country not founded on race but on a way, an ideal. Not in spite of but because of our polyglot background, we have had all the strength in the world. That is the American way.

Ronald Reagan (1911–2006) US President (1981–89), politician, actor
Speech (10 Aug 1988)

On signing a bill providing restitution to Japanese-Americans who had been put in internment camps during World War II. He originally spoke the words as an Army Captain in December 1945 at a "United America Day" rally for the posthumous awarding of the Distinguished Service Cross to Sgt. Kazuo Masuda.

Bush, George W. -- Inaugural Address (2001-01-20)

Dave — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:56:42 +0000

America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests, and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught these principles. Every citizen must uphold them; and every immigrant, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.

George W. Bush (b. 1946) US President (2001–2009)
Inaugural Address (2001-01-20)

Bailey, Philip James -- Festus, Sc. “The Surface” [Festus] (1839)

Dave — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:42:18 +0000

America! half-brother of the world!
With something good and bad of every land.

Philip James Bailey (1816–1902) English poet, lawyer
Festus, Sc. “The Surface” [Festus] (1839)