Not much longer shall we have time for reading lessons of the past. An inexorable present calls us to the defense of a great future.
Henry R. LuceRead
The world of the 20th century, if it is to come to life in any viability of health and vigor, must be to a significant degree an American century.
Interpretation
The 20th century's vitality relies heavily on American influence and culture.
Henry R. Luce suggests that for the 20th century to thrive and be meaningful, it must largely reflect American ideals, values, and contributions. This quote implies that the United States has a central role in shaping the future and vitality of global society during this era, highlighting the extent of its cultural, political, and economic impact.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of American contributions to global culture.
Not much longer shall we have time for reading lessons of the past. An inexorable present calls us to the defense of a great future.
I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world.
There are men who can write poetry, and there are men who can read balance sheets. The men who can read balance sheets cannot write.
Show me a man who claims he is objective and I'll show you a man with illusions.
Business, more than any other occupation, is a continual dealing with the future; it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight.
Oh Christ, the exhaustion of not knowing anything. It's so tiring and hard on the nerves. It really takes it out of you, not knowing anything. You're given comedy and miss all the jokes. Every hour you get weaker. Sometimes, as I sit alone in my flat in London and stare at the window, I think how dismal it is, how heavy, to watch the rain and not know why it falls.
Half the world hates What half the world does every day Half the world waits While half gets on with it anyway
Remember that rights are moral principles which define and protect a man's freedom of action, but impose no obligations on other men.
The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.
Violence is fomented by the imposition of singular and belligerent identities on gullible people, championed by proficient artisans of terror.
We don't make bicycles anymore. It's all human relations now. The eggheads sit around trying to figure out new ways for everyone to be happy. Nobody can get fired, no matter what; and if somebody does accidentally make a bicycle, the union accuses us of cruel and inhuman practices and the government confiscates the bicycle for back taxes and gives it to a blind man in Afghanistan.
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