The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!
Interpretation
The course of history is shaped by the decisions people make, not by random events.
This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower emphasizes that the events and narratives of history are influenced by the conscious choices made by individuals, rather than occurring by mere happenstance. It highlights the importance of personal agency and responsibility in shaping one's life and the broader historical context.
In practice
In a speech about personal responsibility, one might use this quote to encourage people to take charge of their futures.
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 private interest of the individual would not be sufficiently provided for by reasonable and cool self-love alone; therefore the appetites and passions are placed within as a guard and further security, without which it would not be taken due care of.
Mind is the Maker, for no reason at all, for all this creation, created to fall.
The point is the doing of them rather than the accomplishments . There is no actor but the action; there is no experiencer but the experience.
Part of me suspects that I'm a loser, and the other part of me thinks I'm God Almighty.
I'm doing philosophy like an old woman, first I'm looking for my pencil, then I'm looking for my glasses, then I'm looking for my pencil again.
I had the feeling . . . that my experience was very different from other peopleβs. (Are we all under this illusion?)
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