The fiery trials through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation.

Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity - Posterity has done nothing for us

Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it. . .

Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We, of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.

The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.

Die when I may, I want it said of me that I plucked a weed and planted a flower where ever I thought a flower would grow.