What do you think?
Great American Speeches
Introductions by Gregory Suriano. Great collection of important American speeches from the Revolutionary War to the present. Covers specific topics in American history from slavery to environmental issues. Each speech preceded by an introduction. Includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Frederick Douglas, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. 320 pages.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 1993
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June 16, 2021
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
I'm not quite sure how to review a book comprised almost entirely of primary sources, not to mention such a variety, and spanning such a length of time. What drew me to read such a book could be expressed by the words above, originally spoken by Patrick Henry in 1775: I suppose I wanted to further acquaint myself with the history of my country in order to see something about its future, and I hoped this collection of speeches would aid me in that. I can at least say it helped.
Great American Speeches (GAS), edited by Gregory Suriano, is just that: a compilation of some of the great orations across the generations of American life. From the fiery passion of Patrick Henry urging the nation to seek independence, up to the relatively more modern political concerns of the early 90s, Suriano has gathered a collage of men's and women's words through ~200 years and given the reader a unique opportunity to look at the history of America almost like one of those old Viewmaster toys--snapshot after snapshot.
The content is dominated mostly by political matters, but that's a slippery word when used throughout American history. Many of the 'political' matters of the past, though certainly important at the time, take on much grander and significant meanings in the rearview mirror of the modern perspective. Slavery, women's rights, civil rights, environmentalism, the space race, world wars--these (and other) topics transcend their historical context in many ways, reaching out from the past to move us today in ways that many modern 'political' subjects can't (or shouldn't). The milestones of America's past are so many markers of progress and movements towards the fulfillment of the guarantees and promises of the Founding Documents, and each milestone is accompanied by a few key voices speaking just the right words at just the right time. Understanding these speeches enables the modern reader to understand these events, and ultimately understand America.
Each speech is accompanied by a very brief precis, not so much to summarize the speech, but rather to set the historical context of the words and speaker. These are helpful for someone like me who is not at all a 'history buff', and they help to pad the years between each speech, which sometimes can be decades-long. Suriano seems to be careful to remain objective and mostly just present 'the facts' in these prefaces, although there is no such thing as a perfectly objective historian. Overall, I much prefer the addition of these than to just have the speeches alone.
I would recommend this compilation almost without hesitation to anyone interested in spanning the decades of American history through primary sources in their own words. Such sources are invaluable in understanding history.
I do, however, have two minor gripes about the book that I'll briefly articulate.
First, many of the speeches are abridged. Suriano makes the very logical argument for this in his introduction that this allows for more speeches to be included, and I'm sure it does. I'm glad for that. As a kind of completionist/purist, however, I'm bugged by the sight of the ellipses that litter most pages. I trust Suriano as a historian in that he's not curating these speeches to change history or push some kind of agenda--he assures the reader he removes the least relevant parts of the speeches that don't add much for the modern reader or only make sense in a very specific historical context--things that won't likely be missed by a casual reader of history. I have no doubt he is right. Again, as someone who hasn't 'gone in' much for history, it likely doesn't make much difference that these edits are made. I just stubbornly prefer the whole thing!
Secondly, and I fully admit my own bias affects this complaint, but I can't help but detect some of the author's bias in the selection of some of the speeches, especially in the latter decades. My ignorance of the early politics of America allows me to whole-heartedly recommend at least the first two-thirds of the compilation as-is to any reader. I don't know what someone 'needs' to know about the early years of America, but the speeches selected from that time period seem to cover a lot of the necessary bases to me, and seem to be more or less objective in their selection. I won't say that Suriano had some kind of clear agenda in the later selections, but I get a hint of selection bias in the speeches chosen in the 1900s, especially after the Second World War. Being born only two years before this book was released, I hardly know very much about the political landscape of the decades before my time, but I've been exposed to several historical events of import in the 60s-90s that I feel were overlooked, or only one side of the issue was given a voice. Of course, this is a speech compilation, not a debate-book or a 'normal' history textbook; perhaps there were just not that many 'great' speeches given in conjunction with these certain events or on both sides of every issue. That's possible, although I find it hard to believe. Either way, this isn't detrimental to the book overall, but something I increasingly noticed as I neared the end.
In the final analysis, I recommend GAS for any casually-interested historian. It hits the heights (and depths) of American history and does so in the first-person through the unique yet unified voices of so many different Americans. I heard from those figures that we all know, and from several I had never heard of. The topics also range from the large landmarks of American progress to the slightly less head-turning issues that still had far-reaching effects in American life.
Have you ever read anything from the guy who opposed Lincoln? (If you did in school, do you remember it at all?) Do you realize how relevant Mark Twain's comment about the press in 1873 are to today's media? Do you know anything about Peary's exploration of the Artic Circle? Ever heard the first American to orbit the Earth talk about working in zero-gees? Did you know MLK's speech doesn't start with 'I have a dream'?
Some of these you likely know or were already familiar with. Many--and many more I can't mention here--you probably aren't so familiar with. Suriano's collection of some of the greatest American speeches is a terrific place to start for those interested.
I'm not quite sure how to review a book comprised almost entirely of primary sources, not to mention such a variety, and spanning such a length of time. What drew me to read such a book could be expressed by the words above, originally spoken by Patrick Henry in 1775: I suppose I wanted to further acquaint myself with the history of my country in order to see something about its future, and I hoped this collection of speeches would aid me in that. I can at least say it helped.
Great American Speeches (GAS), edited by Gregory Suriano, is just that: a compilation of some of the great orations across the generations of American life. From the fiery passion of Patrick Henry urging the nation to seek independence, up to the relatively more modern political concerns of the early 90s, Suriano has gathered a collage of men's and women's words through ~200 years and given the reader a unique opportunity to look at the history of America almost like one of those old Viewmaster toys--snapshot after snapshot.
The content is dominated mostly by political matters, but that's a slippery word when used throughout American history. Many of the 'political' matters of the past, though certainly important at the time, take on much grander and significant meanings in the rearview mirror of the modern perspective. Slavery, women's rights, civil rights, environmentalism, the space race, world wars--these (and other) topics transcend their historical context in many ways, reaching out from the past to move us today in ways that many modern 'political' subjects can't (or shouldn't). The milestones of America's past are so many markers of progress and movements towards the fulfillment of the guarantees and promises of the Founding Documents, and each milestone is accompanied by a few key voices speaking just the right words at just the right time. Understanding these speeches enables the modern reader to understand these events, and ultimately understand America.
Each speech is accompanied by a very brief precis, not so much to summarize the speech, but rather to set the historical context of the words and speaker. These are helpful for someone like me who is not at all a 'history buff', and they help to pad the years between each speech, which sometimes can be decades-long. Suriano seems to be careful to remain objective and mostly just present 'the facts' in these prefaces, although there is no such thing as a perfectly objective historian. Overall, I much prefer the addition of these than to just have the speeches alone.
I would recommend this compilation almost without hesitation to anyone interested in spanning the decades of American history through primary sources in their own words. Such sources are invaluable in understanding history.
I do, however, have two minor gripes about the book that I'll briefly articulate.
First, many of the speeches are abridged. Suriano makes the very logical argument for this in his introduction that this allows for more speeches to be included, and I'm sure it does. I'm glad for that. As a kind of completionist/purist, however, I'm bugged by the sight of the ellipses that litter most pages. I trust Suriano as a historian in that he's not curating these speeches to change history or push some kind of agenda--he assures the reader he removes the least relevant parts of the speeches that don't add much for the modern reader or only make sense in a very specific historical context--things that won't likely be missed by a casual reader of history. I have no doubt he is right. Again, as someone who hasn't 'gone in' much for history, it likely doesn't make much difference that these edits are made. I just stubbornly prefer the whole thing!
Secondly, and I fully admit my own bias affects this complaint, but I can't help but detect some of the author's bias in the selection of some of the speeches, especially in the latter decades. My ignorance of the early politics of America allows me to whole-heartedly recommend at least the first two-thirds of the compilation as-is to any reader. I don't know what someone 'needs' to know about the early years of America, but the speeches selected from that time period seem to cover a lot of the necessary bases to me, and seem to be more or less objective in their selection. I won't say that Suriano had some kind of clear agenda in the later selections, but I get a hint of selection bias in the speeches chosen in the 1900s, especially after the Second World War. Being born only two years before this book was released, I hardly know very much about the political landscape of the decades before my time, but I've been exposed to several historical events of import in the 60s-90s that I feel were overlooked, or only one side of the issue was given a voice. Of course, this is a speech compilation, not a debate-book or a 'normal' history textbook; perhaps there were just not that many 'great' speeches given in conjunction with these certain events or on both sides of every issue. That's possible, although I find it hard to believe. Either way, this isn't detrimental to the book overall, but something I increasingly noticed as I neared the end.
In the final analysis, I recommend GAS for any casually-interested historian. It hits the heights (and depths) of American history and does so in the first-person through the unique yet unified voices of so many different Americans. I heard from those figures that we all know, and from several I had never heard of. The topics also range from the large landmarks of American progress to the slightly less head-turning issues that still had far-reaching effects in American life.
Have you ever read anything from the guy who opposed Lincoln? (If you did in school, do you remember it at all?) Do you realize how relevant Mark Twain's comment about the press in 1873 are to today's media? Do you know anything about Peary's exploration of the Artic Circle? Ever heard the first American to orbit the Earth talk about working in zero-gees? Did you know MLK's speech doesn't start with 'I have a dream'?
Some of these you likely know or were already familiar with. Many--and many more I can't mention here--you probably aren't so familiar with. Suriano's collection of some of the greatest American speeches is a terrific place to start for those interested.
January 3, 2025
While staying at an Airbnb, I read this book that was evidently owned by a conservative, based on his highlights. Of the 64 speeches in the book – including a few speeches by the same persons, especially Washington, TR, and Lincon – only 15 were made in my lifetime. As a history lover, I remember reading some speeches before, most notably Patrick Henry’s ‘give me liberty or give me death,’ George Washington’s First Inaugural Address and his Farewell Address, the ones from Lincoln-Douglas debates, Lincoln’s first Inaugural address and his Gettysburg Address, Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points speech and the three speeches of FDR that were in the book, Truman’s firing (called recalling) of General MacArthur and the general’s response, JFK’s inaugural address and Berlin speech, MLK’s ‘I had a Dream’ speech, Nixon’s resignation address (remember watching it on black and white television live), and Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural address. I probably watched Jesse Jackson’s address at the convention. But many of those more famous speeches are not the takeaways from this book. The author included many good speeches with important points, including:
• Greater than Patrick Henry’s statement about liberty and death was his statement that he knows “no way of judging of the future but by the past.” That’s such a compelling statement on many levels.
• James Madison also made an interesting observation about senators, saying that while they serve for six years, he didn’t think the would “soon forget the source from whence they derive their political existence.”
• Lucy Stone, a leader of the abolitionist movement in the 1850’s gave an outstanding speech at the National Woman’s Rights Convention right in Ohio – in Cincinnati – in 1855. She reminds us how limited women’s careers were then – until the 1970’s. She spoke about women were only able to be teachers, seamstress and housekeepers. She also spoke about the gender gap, reminding people that women toiling in the tailor shops are paid one-third as much as their male counterparts. She reminded men that women may “loathes you” but marry for money since they cannot make fair wages themselves. She highlights that “when woman can enter the lists with you and make money for herself, she will marry you only for deep and earnest affection.” Finally, she speaks about being a “disappointed woman” and urgest women to engage to change their standing. Her speech is one of the most powerful in the book.
• Cincinnati was also the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech rallying against the power of big corporations – 50 years later. It’s ironic that both speeches occurred in what was one of the most conservative cities in America. Teddy was more measured in this speech than he seemed to be in life, speaking about not harming or causing undue support for corporations and rich people. It’s a good speech.
• John Brown probably gave the most powerful speech, given his situation. He gave the speech in the book right before he was hung. He proudly spoke about how he took slaves – without using a gun – to their safety in Canada. He speaks about how unfair it was that he was penalized for his actions, saying that “every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.” But he also said that he felt “entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received on my trial. Considering all the circumstances, it has been more generous than I expected.” He then added that he felt, “no consciousness of guilt.” Amazing words for a man who was about to be hung.
• Wilson’s 14-point speech is more detailed than nearly any other presidential speech I’ve eyed. It’s worth reading before traveling to Europe, especially Eastern Europe where his 14 points – and his months of personal negotiations has such a major impact even until today, including restoring Poland as an independent state. Roosevelt’s inaugural speech was also more detailed than most presidential addresses, although stopping at four freedoms. They are still worthy of struggling to achieve today.
• AFL head, Samuel Gomper’s opposing a labor party was not a surprise, but was interesting that he would speak to people wanting such a independent voice would hear directly from an opponent. He was more measured than I thought he would be, yet bragging about the work the labor federation accomplished for various workers.
• General Marshall, a true American hero who does not receive the credit his impact still has today, did not give a speech that was sufficient for his transformational plan that reshaped the lives of all in Europe – and in America. He highlighted how this support was going to help our own country, an important issue for when we spent so much money on other countries where we brought freedom. He also pointed out that any country could apply. Unfortunately, the Eastern Bloc countries did not participate and suffered for generations.
• The author did not give Hubert Humphrey sufficient credit for making a powerful speech on civil rights back in 1948. It was revolutionary for the times and moved us forward in a formidable manner.
• It was important for the author to include Newton Minow’s speech on television. Given in 1961, it was shocking that he spoke about the “good old days” of television and cautioning that when “television is good, nothing – not the theater, not the magazines or newspapers – nothing is better” but when television is bad, “nothing is worse.” 1961! He also spoke about the importance of more educational television, something we may want to highlight when the next administration comes gunning for public television. Finally, he spoke about the importance of expanding stations, something that cable has done but it might not be what Minow was expecting.
• Bella Abzug delivered the most powerful speech of this book, especially since it was given in 1972. It shows how far we have gone as a government and society, yet knowing we need to go further. At the time, there were only seven women in the House [Today, there are 127, still not equal to our demographics.). She spoke about the work they were doing to get more women to run – and win, an important aspect to our more diverse congress today.
I wish Suriano provided longer background statements that better put these speeches into perspective. And, I wish I had more time to read these speeches. This book is like a fine glass of wine, something that should be consumed over a few nights with plenty of time for reflection.
• Greater than Patrick Henry’s statement about liberty and death was his statement that he knows “no way of judging of the future but by the past.” That’s such a compelling statement on many levels.
• James Madison also made an interesting observation about senators, saying that while they serve for six years, he didn’t think the would “soon forget the source from whence they derive their political existence.”
• Lucy Stone, a leader of the abolitionist movement in the 1850’s gave an outstanding speech at the National Woman’s Rights Convention right in Ohio – in Cincinnati – in 1855. She reminds us how limited women’s careers were then – until the 1970’s. She spoke about women were only able to be teachers, seamstress and housekeepers. She also spoke about the gender gap, reminding people that women toiling in the tailor shops are paid one-third as much as their male counterparts. She reminded men that women may “loathes you” but marry for money since they cannot make fair wages themselves. She highlights that “when woman can enter the lists with you and make money for herself, she will marry you only for deep and earnest affection.” Finally, she speaks about being a “disappointed woman” and urgest women to engage to change their standing. Her speech is one of the most powerful in the book.
• Cincinnati was also the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech rallying against the power of big corporations – 50 years later. It’s ironic that both speeches occurred in what was one of the most conservative cities in America. Teddy was more measured in this speech than he seemed to be in life, speaking about not harming or causing undue support for corporations and rich people. It’s a good speech.
• John Brown probably gave the most powerful speech, given his situation. He gave the speech in the book right before he was hung. He proudly spoke about how he took slaves – without using a gun – to their safety in Canada. He speaks about how unfair it was that he was penalized for his actions, saying that “every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.” But he also said that he felt “entirely satisfied with the treatment I have received on my trial. Considering all the circumstances, it has been more generous than I expected.” He then added that he felt, “no consciousness of guilt.” Amazing words for a man who was about to be hung.
• Wilson’s 14-point speech is more detailed than nearly any other presidential speech I’ve eyed. It’s worth reading before traveling to Europe, especially Eastern Europe where his 14 points – and his months of personal negotiations has such a major impact even until today, including restoring Poland as an independent state. Roosevelt’s inaugural speech was also more detailed than most presidential addresses, although stopping at four freedoms. They are still worthy of struggling to achieve today.
• AFL head, Samuel Gomper’s opposing a labor party was not a surprise, but was interesting that he would speak to people wanting such a independent voice would hear directly from an opponent. He was more measured than I thought he would be, yet bragging about the work the labor federation accomplished for various workers.
• General Marshall, a true American hero who does not receive the credit his impact still has today, did not give a speech that was sufficient for his transformational plan that reshaped the lives of all in Europe – and in America. He highlighted how this support was going to help our own country, an important issue for when we spent so much money on other countries where we brought freedom. He also pointed out that any country could apply. Unfortunately, the Eastern Bloc countries did not participate and suffered for generations.
• The author did not give Hubert Humphrey sufficient credit for making a powerful speech on civil rights back in 1948. It was revolutionary for the times and moved us forward in a formidable manner.
• It was important for the author to include Newton Minow’s speech on television. Given in 1961, it was shocking that he spoke about the “good old days” of television and cautioning that when “television is good, nothing – not the theater, not the magazines or newspapers – nothing is better” but when television is bad, “nothing is worse.” 1961! He also spoke about the importance of more educational television, something we may want to highlight when the next administration comes gunning for public television. Finally, he spoke about the importance of expanding stations, something that cable has done but it might not be what Minow was expecting.
• Bella Abzug delivered the most powerful speech of this book, especially since it was given in 1972. It shows how far we have gone as a government and society, yet knowing we need to go further. At the time, there were only seven women in the House [Today, there are 127, still not equal to our demographics.). She spoke about the work they were doing to get more women to run – and win, an important aspect to our more diverse congress today.
I wish Suriano provided longer background statements that better put these speeches into perspective. And, I wish I had more time to read these speeches. This book is like a fine glass of wine, something that should be consumed over a few nights with plenty of time for reflection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
I'm going start with how this has been one of the best books I've read all year. Initially, I started reading this to gather better insight on what the best public writings of the US were and how to emulate these personas. Some speeches had me a bit hesitant to read, but don't react like I did, because after getting over personal issues with historical figures I was able to find the power within the words they created.
For example, In the 7th Lincoln-Douglas Debate Stephen A. Douglas was arguing against my very existence as a free individual, at first I wasn't going to read it for that reason. I came to understand the importance of understanding all viewpoints including controversial one's that go against my value system. Which is another reason why I liked this book so much it was very challenging to get through but in the end you recognize the impact of each speech wether it be harmful or beneficial.
I'm not saying that you have to read the parts you don't agree with, but I encourage it.
For example, In the 7th Lincoln-Douglas Debate Stephen A. Douglas was arguing against my very existence as a free individual, at first I wasn't going to read it for that reason. I came to understand the importance of understanding all viewpoints including controversial one's that go against my value system. Which is another reason why I liked this book so much it was very challenging to get through but in the end you recognize the impact of each speech wether it be harmful or beneficial.
I'm not saying that you have to read the parts you don't agree with, but I encourage it.
January 23, 2008
This book is a terrific resource for anyone interested in history or the art of American rhetoric. It includes text from great speeches that we all know, and speeches that are lesser known but still impressive.
January 2, 2013
Loved reading the excellent, and mostly inspiring speeches contained in this book! Reading the actual words of people from history is always much better than being told what happened by someone else with their own opinion and bias.
April 11, 2020
While still young, our country has been full of brilliant minds, both conservative and liberal, who have contributed greatly to it. Great read to get a narrative glimpse of our country through our charismatic leaders of the past.
September 26, 2021
This book presents speeches from 1775 to 1992. It is a comprehensive overview of American history from before we were a nation until 30 years ago. Sadly, some of the issues that were of concern years ago remain so into 2021.
Read
July 9, 2019awesome collection
Read
November 25, 2020Such a riveting collection of our nation's greatest and most eloquent words! I know the US is often portrayed in a rather negative light but sometimes I think we forget what we have to be proud of and acknowledge with our foundational roots.
From Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death:
It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.
George Washington's Farewell address: Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. ( He was opposed to the formation of political parties and warned against foreign involvements...I'm not sure if he was / is correct in this and perhaps some may disagree. )
I loved Emerson's American Scholar speech!
' Events, actions arise that must be sung, that will sing themselves. Who can doubt that poetry will revive and lead in a new age, as the star in the constellation Harp, which now flames in our zenith...'
Know thyself, study nature: let this be one last maxim.
The one thing of value in this world is the active soul.
Action is with the scholar subordinate, but it is essential. Whilst the world hangs before the eye as a cloud of beauty, we cannot even see its beauty. Inaction is cowardice, but there can be no scholar without the heroic mind.
The Grimke sisters and speaking out against slavery:
Many times have I wept in the land of my birth over the system of slavery. I was unaware that any efforts were made to deliver the oppressedd...I knew of none who sympathized in my feelings...
My heart sank within me at the abominations in the midst of which I had been born and educated. What will it avail to expose the horrors and pollutions of slavery..
Chief Seattle's Oration:
But why should I mourn at the untimely fate of my people? Tribe follows tribe and nation follows nation like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature and regret is useless.
Day and night cannot dwell together. The red man has ever fled the approach of the white man, as the morning mist flees before the morning sun.
(OMG how can this not make you cry)
It matters little where we pass the remnant of our days. They will not be many. The Indian's night promises to be dark. Not a single star of hope hovers above his horizon.
Henry Ward Beecher: the two revelations.
Science is but the deciphering of God's thought as revealed in the structure of this world.
If to reject God's revelation of the Book is infidelity, what is it to reject God's revelation of himself in the structure of the whole globe?
John La Farge: Modern Museum and the teaching of art:
- If i should ask you to come upstairs with me and look at some little piece of Japanese laquer with a surface suggesting the weight as well as the mystery of moonlight. with depths of shaow that are typical of the art of varnish glazes, iridescences , sparkling recalling the track of the starts in water, with patterns firm like the pattern of a flower.
Roosevelt and Preservation of the Forests.
Here in California you have some of the great wonders of the world. A singularly beautiful landscape, singularly beautiful and majestic scenery, and it should certainly be your aim to try to preserve for those who are to come after you that beauty, to try to keep unmarred that majesty.
There is nothing more practical in the end than the preservation of beauty, than the preservation of anything that appeals to the higher emotions in mankind.
Sofirst of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Nameless unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. FDR.
Freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship God in his own way everywhere in the world, freedom from want, freedom from fear.
From Patrick Henry's Liberty or Death:
It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.
George Washington's Farewell address: Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. ( He was opposed to the formation of political parties and warned against foreign involvements...I'm not sure if he was / is correct in this and perhaps some may disagree. )
I loved Emerson's American Scholar speech!
' Events, actions arise that must be sung, that will sing themselves. Who can doubt that poetry will revive and lead in a new age, as the star in the constellation Harp, which now flames in our zenith...'
Know thyself, study nature: let this be one last maxim.
The one thing of value in this world is the active soul.
Action is with the scholar subordinate, but it is essential. Whilst the world hangs before the eye as a cloud of beauty, we cannot even see its beauty. Inaction is cowardice, but there can be no scholar without the heroic mind.
The Grimke sisters and speaking out against slavery:
Many times have I wept in the land of my birth over the system of slavery. I was unaware that any efforts were made to deliver the oppressedd...I knew of none who sympathized in my feelings...
My heart sank within me at the abominations in the midst of which I had been born and educated. What will it avail to expose the horrors and pollutions of slavery..
Chief Seattle's Oration:
But why should I mourn at the untimely fate of my people? Tribe follows tribe and nation follows nation like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature and regret is useless.
Day and night cannot dwell together. The red man has ever fled the approach of the white man, as the morning mist flees before the morning sun.
(OMG how can this not make you cry)
It matters little where we pass the remnant of our days. They will not be many. The Indian's night promises to be dark. Not a single star of hope hovers above his horizon.
Henry Ward Beecher: the two revelations.
Science is but the deciphering of God's thought as revealed in the structure of this world.
If to reject God's revelation of the Book is infidelity, what is it to reject God's revelation of himself in the structure of the whole globe?
John La Farge: Modern Museum and the teaching of art:
- If i should ask you to come upstairs with me and look at some little piece of Japanese laquer with a surface suggesting the weight as well as the mystery of moonlight. with depths of shaow that are typical of the art of varnish glazes, iridescences , sparkling recalling the track of the starts in water, with patterns firm like the pattern of a flower.
Roosevelt and Preservation of the Forests.
Here in California you have some of the great wonders of the world. A singularly beautiful landscape, singularly beautiful and majestic scenery, and it should certainly be your aim to try to preserve for those who are to come after you that beauty, to try to keep unmarred that majesty.
There is nothing more practical in the end than the preservation of beauty, than the preservation of anything that appeals to the higher emotions in mankind.
Sofirst of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Nameless unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. FDR.
Freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship God in his own way everywhere in the world, freedom from want, freedom from fear.
September 30, 2025
Many of the speeches seem relevant to the historical context; however, we see relevant themes that reign true today. These orators speak from the heart.
December 25, 2023
I think that the speech by Bella Abzug turns out to be the strongest and most courageous. Where is OUR Bella A?
And Sojourner Truth must have brought the house down at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851, starting with "...that man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles or gives me any best place. And aren't I a woman?"
Or what about Chief Seattle's Oration in 1854? "Your God is not our God! Your God loves your people and hates mine. Hi folds his strong protecting arms lovingly about the pale fact and leads him by the hand as a father leads his infant son; by He has forsaken His red children."
And Sojourner Truth must have brought the house down at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851, starting with "...that man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles or gives me any best place. And aren't I a woman?"
Or what about Chief Seattle's Oration in 1854? "Your God is not our God! Your God loves your people and hates mine. Hi folds his strong protecting arms lovingly about the pale fact and leads him by the hand as a father leads his infant son; by He has forsaken His red children."
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews