1960s, Inaugural address (1965)
Context: For every generation, there is a destiny. For some, history decides. For this generation, the choice must be our own. [... ] Our destiny in the midst of change will rest on the unchanged character of our people, and on their faith.
“But for us there are moments, O, how solemn, when destiny trembles in the balance, and the preponderance of either scale is by our own choice.”
Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 53.
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Mark Hopkins (educator) 32
American educationalist and theologian 1802–1887Related quotes
Source: Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (1990), p. 63
1980s, First term of office (1981–1985), First Inaugural address (1981)
Context: To a few of us here today this is a solemn and most momentous occasion, and yet in the history of our nation it is a commonplace occurrence. The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place, as it has for almost two centuries, and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. In the eyes of many in the world, this every-four-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.
“Expediency may tip the scales when arguments are nicely balanced.”
Woolford Realty Co., Inc., v. Rose, 286 U.S. 319, 330 (1932)
Judicial opinions
“For each of us destiny is a blend of potential, circumstances, and choices.”
Source: A World Without Heroes