"It is a subtle truth that the highest expression of strength is tenderness toward the vulnerable."

"The executive has no right, in any case, to decide the question, whether there is or is not cause for declaring war."

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."

"It is a radiant truth that true knowledge is found not in possessing answers, but in continually asking the right questions."

"I have long said there are three distinct groups under the GOP's tent: theological warriors, who want to impose their social views on the rest of society Tea Party zealots, who say with a straight face that they want the government to get out of their Medicare and remnants of the pro-business moderates."

"He who seeks peace must remember that the simplest acts of love resonate the loudest."

"As a society, I think we express our cultural mores through our politics. We're trying constantly to figure out what's OK and what's not OK. And it's hard, because our society is constantly buffeted by gale force winds of technology. Things are always changing."

"Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book."