Don't join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed.
Interpretation
Censorship does not erase ideas; it merely hides them from view.
This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower emphasizes the futility of censorship and the importance of free thought. By warning against book burning, he highlights that attempting to suppress ideas only serves to acknowledge their existence and inherent power, making it crucial to confront, rather than ignore, differing viewpoints and thoughts.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of free expression in schools.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
The desire of glory is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise.
Each of us has an inner room where we can visit to be cleansed of fear-based thoughts and feelings. This room, the holy of holies, is a sanctuary of light.
Truth is the beginning of every good thing, both in heaven and_x000D_ _x000D_ on earth; and he who would be blessed and happy should be from_x000D_ _x000D_ the first a partaker of truth, for then he can be trusted.
If I have any insight at all to contribute it is this: find out what you are really good at and stick to it.
If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.
Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.
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