We peruse one ideal, that of bringing people together in peace, irrespective of race, religion and political convictions, for the benefit of mankind. – Juan Antonio Samaranch

A recorded past is no more than a bygone present composed of the footprints made by human beings actually going somewhere but not knowing (in any extended sense), and certainly not revealing to us, how, they came to be afoot on these particular journeys. – Michael Oakeshott, On History

Presidents quickly realize that while a single act might destroy the world they live in, no one single decision can make life suddenly better or can turn history around for the good. – Lyndon B. Johnson

As soon as histories are properly told there is no more need of romances. – Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass