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.
Interpretation
Libraries serve as essential spaces for individuals to explore knowledge freely and without bias.
This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower emphasizes the fundamental role of libraries as sanctuaries for free thought, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue knowledge and discover unfiltered truths. It underscores the idea that libraries must remain independent from societal pressures and trends, providing a trustworthy space for inquiry and learning for all members of society.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of education, I might include this quote to highlight the role of libraries.
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.
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.
I deplore the need or the use of troops anywhere to get American citizens to obey the orders of constituted courts.
Learning to read music in Braille and play by ear helped me develop a damn good memory.
From the very beginning of his education, the child should experience the joy of discovery.
In the ideal college, intrinsic education would be available to anyone who wanted it...The college would be life-long, for learning can take place all through life.
I did go through graduate school and I like to do research, to create something that has a certain objective solidity. The same thing influences my fiction to some degree, because, you know, my fiction is often based on history that I've read.
The only condition a library asks its users to honor is to do justice to their own imagination, their own curiosity and their own thirst for knowledge, and in the process, to achieve their own independence of mind and spirit.
I am not impressed by the Ivy League establishments. Of course they graduate the best -- it's all they'll take, leaving to others the problem of educating the country. They will give you an education the way the banks will give you money -- provided you can prove to their satisfaction that you don't need it.
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