Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark. – Henri-Frédéric Amiel, Journal, 17 December 1856
No lying knight or lying priest ever prospered in any age, but especially not in the dark ones. Men prospered then only in following an openly declared purpose, and preaching candidly beloved and trusted creeds. – John Ruskin
I belong to a nation which over the past centuries has experienced many hardships and reverses. The world reacted with silence or with mere sympathy when Polish frontiers were crossed by invading armies and the sovereign state had to succumb to brutal force. – Lech Walesa
