“My identity might begin with the fact of my race, but it didn't, couldn't end there. 

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” 

“I wish the country had fewer lawyers and more engineers.” 

“We cannot know for certain how long we have here. We cannot foresee the trials or misfortunes that will test us along the way. We cannot know God's plan for us.

“To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.” 

“The American story has never been about things coming easy. It has been about rising to the moment when the moment is hard. About rejecting panicked division for purposeful unity. About seeing a mountaintop from the deepest valley. That is why we remember that some of the most famous words ever spoken by an American came from a president who took office in a time of turmoil: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” 

“It can hardly be coincidence that at just that same time, in 508, the Athenians radically changed their political constitution to transfer ultimate power to the people (demos)—in other words, they inaugurated the world’s first democracy. So the first performance of the Oresteia may well mark the fiftieth birthday both of democracy and of theater.” 

“We nearly always live through screens—a screened existence. And I sometimes think, when people say my work looks violent, that I have been able to clear away one or two of the veils or screens.4” 

“Look at him, look how he drips unhealth—shudder object!” 

“A tyrant's trust dishonors those who earn it.” 

“It is an easy thing for one whose foot is on the outside of calamity to give advice and to rebuke the sufferer.” 

“No shame, I think, in the death given this man. And did he not first of all in this house wreak death by treachery? 1525 The flower of this man’s love and mine, Iphigeneia of the many tears— he dealt with her even as he has suffered now.° So let his speech in Death’s house be not loud. With the sword he struck; with the sword he paid for his own act.” 

“But to speak ill of people at hand who give no cause for blame, is to assume a right far distinct from justice.” 

“ATHENA: There are two sides to this dispute. I've heard only one half the argument. (...) So you two parties, summon your witnesses, set out your proofs, with sworn evidence to back your stories. Once I've picked the finest men in Athens, I'll return. They'll rule fairly in this case, bound by a sworn oath to act with justice.” 

“Your speech is pompous sounding, full of pride, as fits the lackey of the Gods. You are young and young your rule and you think the tower in which you live is free from sorrow: from it have I not seen two tyrants thrown? The third, who now is king, I shall yet live to see him fall, of all three most suddenly, most dishonored. Do you think I will crouch before your Gods, -so new-and tremble? I am far from that.” 

“In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.” 

“Unanimous hatred is the greatest medicine for a human community.” 

“It is easy when we are in prosperity to give advice to the afflicted.” 

“Imperialism: The final stage of Capitalism.” 

“The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.” 

“The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and inflation.” 

“Can a nation be free if it oppresses other nations? It cannot.” 

“Give me just one generation of youth, and I'll transform the whole world.” 

“There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.”