"The power of the American system of republicanism lies in its capacity to allow religious belief to be a competing, not a controlling, factor in American life."

"The traditional religious right's failure to restore public-school prayer or pass an antiabortion constitutional amendment has likely helped fuel the spread of the more extreme dominionist school."

"Part of what I loved - and love - about being around older people is the tangible sense of history they embody. I'm interested in military history, for instance, because both my grandfathers fought in World War II. I'm interested in writing because one of those grandfathers wrote books."

"A globalized world is by now a familiar fact of life. Building walls or moats may sound appealing, but the future belongs to those who tend to their people and then boldly engage the rest of the world, near and far."

"The greatest deception is forgetting that the canvas of tomorrow is painted with the actions of today."

"To master the mind is to understand that the canvas of tomorrow is painted with the actions of today."

"A life well-lived is a testament that the canvas of tomorrow is painted with the actions of today."

"The silent observer understands that the canvas of tomorrow is painted with the actions of today."