Harry S. Truman

The atom bomb was no great decision. It was merely another powerful weapon in the arsenal of righteousness.

All my life, whenever it comes time to make a decision, I make it and forget about it.

It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.

Those who want the Government to regulate matters of the mind and spirit are like men who are so afraid of being murdered that they commit suicide to avoid assassination.

In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves... self-discipline with all of them came first.

When even one American - who has done nothing wrong - is forced by fear to shut his mind and close his mouth - then all Americans are in peril.

I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell.

Sixteen hours ago an American airplane dropped one bomb on Hiroshima. . . . The force from which the sun draws its power has been loosed against those who brought war to the Far East.

There is enough in the world for everyone to have plenty, to live happily, and to be at peace with his neighbors.

It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace.

Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.

We have found that it is easier for men to die together on the field of battle than it is for them to live together at home in peace.

If we let Korea down, the Soviet[s] will keep right on going and swallow up one [place] after another.

We are profoundly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us: the preservation of our freedom, so dearly bought and so highly prized; our opportunities for human welfare and happiness, so limitless in their scope; our material prosperity, so far surpassing that of earlier years; and our private spiritual blessings, so deeply cherished by all. For these we offer fervent thanks to God.

If I want to be great, I have to win the victory over myself...self-d iscipline.

Dictatorship, by whatever name, is founded on the doctrine that the individual amounts to nothing; that the State is the only one that counts; and that men and women and children were put on earth solely for the purpose of serving the state.

To you who answered the call of your country and served in its Armed Forces to bring about the total defeat of the enemy, I extend the heartfelt thanks of a grateful Nation. As one of the Nation's finest, you undertook the most severe task one can be called upon to perform. Because you demonstrated the fortitude, resourcefulness and calm judgment necessary to carry out that task, we now look to you for leadership and example to further exalting our country in peace.

I'm very proud that I'm smart enough to get to the point

All my life I have fought against prejudice and intolerance.

The Marshall Plan will go down in history as one of America's greatest contributions to the peace of the world.

It sure is hell to be president.