
From a letter to Robert W. Gordon (January 2, 1926)
Letters
Preface to Prince Arthur (1695)
From a letter to Robert W. Gordon (January 2, 1926)
Letters
“Oh, God! it is a fearful thing
To see the human soul take wing
In any shape, in any mood.”
The Prisoner of Chillon, st. 8.
“The only true vision comes not from God but from the inmost recesses of the human mind.”
Source: The Tales of Alvin Maker, Seventh Son (1987), Chapter 9.
“Poetry is a lyrical insinuation. Often, its melodic subtlety kisses the subconscious mind.”
LaGuardia, Gina (October 2004). "Masiela's Musings". College Bound Teen (USA): p. 2.
Notes on the Banner of Peace (24 May 1939)
Context: Where all the treasures of mankind must be saved, there one should find such a symbol that can open the inmost recesses of all hearts. The symbol of the Banner of Peace has been spread so surprisingly far and wide that people are quite sincerely asking whether it is original or an invention of later times. We have witnessed honest wonderment after having proved its ancient origins and spread. At present mankind is beginning to think with horror like troglodytes again, hoping to safeguard their property in underground depositories and caves. But the Banner of Peace just announces the principle. It argues that mankind has to find a way to agree, that its achievements are global and belong to all the nations. The Banner says: noli me tangere — do not touch — do not dare to disturb, to offend the Universal Treasure with a touch of destruction.
"William Gerhardi", p. 131
The Progress of a Biographer (1949)
On "The Heart is a Drum Machine" Documentary
“No external power can bring about a transformation of hearts and minds.”
2014, Address to the United Nations (September 2014)
Context: Now, ultimately, the task of rejecting sectarianism and rejecting extremism is a generational task -- and a task for the people of the Middle East themselves. No external power can bring about a transformation of hearts and minds. But America will be a respectful and constructive partner. We will neither tolerate terrorist safe havens, nor act as an occupying power. We will take action against threats to our security and our allies, while building an architecture of counterterrorism cooperation. We will increase efforts to lift up those who counter extremist ideologies and who seek to resolve sectarian conflict. And we will expand our programs to support entrepreneurship and civil society, education and youth -- because, ultimately, these investments are the best antidote to violence.