WIST Quotations

Lincoln, Abraham -- Speech (1861-03-04), Inaugural Address, Washington, D. C.

Dave — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:42:33 +0000

In ‘your’ hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in ‘mine’, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail ‘you’. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. ‘You’ have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to “preserve, protect, and defend it.”

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861–65)
Speech (1861-03-04), Inaugural Address, Washington, D. C.

Lincoln spent most of his first Inaugural addressing the Southern states, trying to forestall their secession. This was the penultimate paragraph (before the "better angels of our nature" one) in the speech as given.

In Lincoln's "First Edition" of the address, a somewhat harsher version of this paragraph was the actual ending of the speech:

In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you, unless you first assail it. You can have no conflict, without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in Heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to “preserve, protect, and defend” it. You can forbear the assault upon it; I can not shrink from the defense of it. With you, and not with me, is the solemn question of “Shall it be peace, or a sword?"

Lincoln offered William Seward, one of his political rivals, an opportunity to review and suggest changes to the draft. Seward offered a number of edits, including in this portion scratching out the last two sentences Lincoln had written, as well as the "first assail" clause.

Seward also added an additional paragraph after this, rather than leaving it as the ending.

Thomas a Kempis -- The Imitation of Christ [De Imitatione Christi], Book 2, ch. 3, v. 1 (2.3.1) (c. 1418-27) [tr. Rooney (1979)]

Dave — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:55:21 +0000

Be at peace yourself. Then you will be able to bring peace to others.

[Pone te primus in pace, et tunc alios poteris pacificare.]

Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471) German-Dutch priest, author
The Imitation of Christ [De Imitatione Christi], Book 2, ch. 3, v. 1 (2.3.1) (c. 1418-27) [tr. Rooney (1979)]

(Source (Latin)). Alternate translations:

First put thyself in peace, and then mayest thou the better pacify others.
[tr. Whitford/Raynal (1530/1871)]

First put yourself at peace, and then you may the better make others be at peace.
[tr. Whitford/Gardiner (1530/1955)]

Be first of all at peace with thy selfe, then maist thou be better able to pacifie others.
[tr. Page (1639)]

Secure Peace at Home in the first place; and, when thy own Breast is thus composed, it will then be proper to Reconcile and make Peace among thy Neighbors.
[tr. Stanhope (1696; 1706 ed.)]

Thou must first secure the peace of thy own breast; before thou wilt be qualified to restore peace to others.
[tr. Payne (1803)]

First, keep thyself in peace, and then shalt thou be able to pacify others.
[ed. Parker (1841)]

Thou must first secure the peace of thy own breast ere thou be qualified to restore peace to others.
[tr. Dibdin (1851)]

First keep thyself in peace, and then thou wilt be able to bring others to peace.
[ed. Bagster (1860)]

First keep thyself in peace, and then shalt thou be able to be a peacemaker towards others.
[tr. Benham (1874)]

First keep thyself in peace, and then thou shalt be able to keep peace among others.
[tr. Anon. (1901)]

First keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others.
[tr. Croft/Bolton (1940)]

Keep yourself at peace first, and then you will be able to make others peaceful.
[tr. Daplyn (1952)]

Firstly, be peaceful yourself, and you will be able to bring peace to others.
[tr. Sherley-Price (1952)]

Peace in your own soul first of all, then you can think about making peace between other people.
[tr. Knox-Oakley (1959)]

Live in peace yourself and then you can bring peace to others.
[tr. Knott (1962)]

Keep yourself at peace first, and then you will be able to bring peace to others.
[tr. Creasy (1989)]

Lincoln, Abraham -- Speech (1850), Notes for a Law Lecture (fragment)

Dave — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:27:07 +0000

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser — in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861–65)
Speech (1850), Notes for a Law Lecture (fragment)

No lecture of the sort given by Lincoln has been recorded. The date was assigned by Niclay and Hay, with nothing concrete to contradict it. The lecture notes might well have been written several years later.

Holmes, John Andrew -- Wisdom in Small Doses (1927)

Dave — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:30:14 +0000

Yes, we love peace, but we are not willing to take wounds for it, as we are for war.

John Andrew Holmes (1874–1937) American physician and writer
Wisdom in Small Doses (1927)

Euripides -- Protesilaus, fragment 656

Dave — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:29:16 +0000

Where two discourse, if the one’s anger rise,
The man who lets the contest fall is wise.

Euripides (485?-406? BC) Greek tragic dramatist
Protesilaus, fragment 656

Also attributed to Plutarch.

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 5:23ff (Matt 5:23–24) (Jesus) [KJV (1611)]

Dave — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:37:30 +0000

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[ἐὰν οὖν προσφέρῃς τὸ δῶρόν σου ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον κἀκεῖ μνησθῇς ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἔχει τι κατὰ σοῦ, ἄφες ἐκεῖ τὸ δῶρόν σου ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου καὶ ὕπαγε πρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου, καὶ τότε ἐλθὼν πρόσφερε τὸ δῶρόν σου.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 5:23ff (Matt 5:23–24) (Jesus) [KJV (1611)]

No Synoptic parallels. (Source (Greek)). Other translations:

So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
[JB (1966); NJB (1985)]

So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.
[GNT (1976)]

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift.
[CEB (2011)]

So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 5: 1ff (Matt 5:1–12), “The Beatitudes” (Jesus) [CEB (2011)]

Dave — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:26:39 +0000

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:
“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.
“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.
“Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.
“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.
“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.
“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.
“Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.”

[Ἰδὼν δὲ τοὺς ὄχλους ἀνέβη εἰς τὸ ὄρος, καὶ καθίσαντος αὐτοῦ προσῆλθαν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἀνοίξας τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ ἐδίδασκεν αὐτοὺς λέγων,
Μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι,
ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.
μακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ παρακληθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.
μακάριοι οἱ πεινῶντες καὶ διψῶντες τὴν δικαιοσύνην,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ χορτασθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ ἐλεήμονες,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ καθαροὶ τῇ καρδίᾳ,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ τὸν θεὸν ὄψονται.
μακάριοι οἱ εἰρηνοποιοί,
ὅτι αὐτοὶ υἱοὶ θεοῦ κληθήσονται.
μακάριοι οἱ δεδιωγμένοι ἕνεκεν δικαιοσύνης,
ὅτι αὐτῶν ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.
μακάριοί ἐστε ὅταν ὀνειδίσωσιν ὑμᾶς καὶ διώξωσιν καὶ εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθ᾽ ὑμῶν [ψευδόμενοι] ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ. χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· οὕτως γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Book 1. Gospel of Matthew 5: 1ff (Matt 5:1–12), “The Beatitudes” (Jesus) [CEB (2011)]

The first part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-7:29). This passage is paralleled (but shorter) in Luke 6:20-23.

(Source (Greek)). Other translations:

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[KJV (1611)]

Seeing the crowds, he went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
'How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage.
'Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
'Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied.
'Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
'Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God.
'Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God.
'Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.'
[JB (1966)]

Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them:
“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
“Happy are those who mourn;
God will comfort them!
“Happy are those who are humble;
they will receive what God has promised!
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
God will satisfy them fully!
“Happy are those who are merciful to others;
God will be merciful to them!
“Happy are the pure in heart;
they will see God!
“Happy are those who work for peace;
God will call them his children!
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
“Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted."
[GNT (1976)]

Seeing the crowds, he went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
'How blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
'Blessed are the gentle: they shall have the earth as inheritance.
'Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted.
'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness: they shall have their fill.
'Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them.
'Blessed are the pure in heart: they shall see God.
'Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be recognised as children of God.
'Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness: the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
'Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.
[NJB (1985)]

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]

Roosevelt, Eleanor -- Radio Broadcast (1951-11-11), Voice of America

Dave — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:13:41 +0000

It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American politician, diplomat, activist; First Lady of the US (1933–45)
Radio Broadcast (1951-11-11), Voice of America