Quotations for Daily Use

Silencing Others, Dictators, Silence about Things That Matter

"A nation of sheep will begat a government of wolves." Edward R. Murrow (born Egbert Roscoe Murrow April 25, 1908 – April 27, 1965) was an American broadcast journalist. He was generally referred to as Ed Murrow. He first came to prominence with a series of radio broadcasts for the news division of the Columbia Broadcasting System during World War II, which were followed by millions of listeners in the United States.

"An acquaintance described Grant as 'a man who could remain silent in several languages.' " This quote is from Grant by Jean Edward Smith.

"But I fear that in every assembly, members will obtain an influence by noise not sense. By meanness, not greatness. By ignorance, not learning. By contracted hearts, not large souls . . ." John Adams, (October 30 ,1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American lawyer, author, statesman, and diplomat. He served as the second President of the United States (1797–1801), the first Vice President (1789–1797)

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King Jr., (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

"Remember all men would be tyrants if they could." Daniel Defoe, as quoted by Former U.S. First Lady Abigail Adams during the 1700s; Daniel Defoe (c.1660 – 24 April 1731), born Daniel Foe, was an English trader, writer, journalist, pamphleteer, and spy, most famous for his novel Robinson Crusoe.

"Retain the power of speech no matter what other power you may lose . . . Do what you will, but speak out always, Be shunned, be hated, be ridiculed, be scared, be in doubt, but don't be gagged. The time of trial is always. Now is the appointed time." John Jay Chapman, (1862 - 1933); American critic, essayist, translator and individualist (Thank you, friend Goody, for sending this quote to me.)

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil; God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–45), German Lutheran theologian and pastor. He was an active opponent of Nazism and was involved in the German resistance movement. Arrested in 1943, he was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp and later executed.

"You have not converted a man because you have silenced him." John, Lord Morley (24 December 1838 – 23 September 1923) was a British Liberal statesman, writer and newspaper editor.

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