“Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.”
Karl Paul Reinhold Niebuhr was an American Reformed theologian, ethicist, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary (NYC) for more than 30 years. Niebuhr was one of America's leading public intellectuals for several decades of the 20th century and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964.
In a world where democratic norms face unprecedented trials, we invite you to peel back the layers, revealing the intricate tapestry of governance, participation, and accountability.
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Commencement Speeches
Ten Ways to Avoid Mucking Up the World Any Worse Than It Already Is.
Russell Baker (1925 - 2019)Quotations
"Democracy doesn't recognize..."
Photography
Osaka Rush Hour
Quotations
"...that makes planning the day difficult."
Partner Initiatives
Support Human Rights Watch in protecting students from online surveillance.
Quotations
"...in truly effective thinking..."
Quotations
"A functioning..."
Poetry
Invictus (1975)
Poetry
A Conference in Time
Photography
Mahatma Gandhi
Talks
It’s okay now but not like it should be.
Essie Pettway, Mary Lee Bendolph, Rita Mae “Rabbit” Pettway, Lucy “Toot” Mingo, and China Pettway.Quotations
“Dictatorships are one-way streets...”
Photography
Afghan home 1980's
Quotations
"democracy is not..."
Quotations
"The greatest menace to freedom..."
Commencement Speeches
Introduction to our commencement archive and top ten speeches.
26 commencement speakersPartner Initiatives
Help Rotary International advance world understanding through community action.
Photography
Neighborly Maine
Partner Initiatives
Join CARE in fighting global poverty
Quotations
"Man's capacity..."
Poetry
Ulysses (1833)
Quotations
"I am not an Athenian.."
Quotations
"Everybody's ignorant..."
Photography
Turmi Clay - Ethiopia
Photography
Athens at night
Partner Initiatives
Ashoka Changemakers - leading the way since 1980.
Quotations
"Everybody counts..."
Quotations
"Give me a place to stand..."
Documentaries
The Movement and the Madman
Photography
Afghan money changers 1980's
Quotations
"...the wisdom which does not cry..."
Photography
Shadong, China
Quotations