The command-giving tactic had to be replaced by the assignment-giving tactic. (...) This was something that most NVA officers learned with great effort.

We (the army) have a relative high amount of recruits coming from the East. These ambitious young officers are of course involved in the missions abroad. I am certain that of these young people, a few will make it up into the upper ranks.

The big majority of Americans, who are comparatively well off, have developed an ability to have enclaves of people living in the greatest misery without almost noticing them.

How do you know when it's over?"
"Maybe when you feel more in love with your memories than with the person standing in front of you.

The Negro problem, like all other political problems, is fundamentally a moral issue. This is realism, not idealism. Those of my colleagues who believe that they are particularly 'hard boiled' because they overlook the fact that human beings are struggling for their consciences are simply unrealistic.

To the great majority of white Americans, the Negro problem has distinctly negative connotations. It suggests something difficult to settle and equally difficult to leave alone. It is embarrassing. It makes for moral uneasiness.