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.
In mathematics and science we solve our problems as well as create them. But in art and philosophy things are not so simple.
The kingdom of heaven is like electricity. You don't see it. It is within you.
If there is no other life, then this one has been enough to make it worth being born myself...a human being.
Once we overcome our fear of being tiny, we find ourselves on the threshold of a vast and awesome Universe that utterly dwarfs β in time, in space, and in potential β the tidy anthropocentric proscenium of our ancestors.
Ask yourselves this question: How often is Jesus inside and knocking at the door to be let out, to come out? And we do not let him out because of our own need for security, because so often we are locked into ephemeral structures that serve solely to make us slaves and not free children of God.
It's ridiculous that we continue to incarcerate anyone for using a substance that actually causes far less damage than alcohol. No one goes out looking for fights on marijuana. No one dies from marijuana intoxication. And no one should be jailed for possessing marijuana.
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