"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity."
"To those peoples in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required - not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich."
"Once you say you're going to settle for second, that's what happens to you in life."
"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him."
"In a time of turbulence and change, it is more true than ever that knowledge is power."
"Libraries should be open to all - except the censor.[Response to questionnaire in Saturday Review, October 29 1960]"