Reinhold Niebuhr Quotes

Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary

Reinhold Niebuhr

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Reinhold Niebuhr

A great idea is usually original to more than one discoverer. Great ideas come when the world needs them. They surround the world's ignorance and press for admission.

Reinhold Niebuhr

There are historic situations in which refusal to defend the inheritance of a civilization, however imperfect, against tyranny and aggression may result in consequences even worse than war.

Reinhold Niebuhr

If we survive danger it steels our courage more than anything else.

Reinhold Niebuhr

Our age knows nothing but reaction, and leaps from one extreme to another.

Reinhold Niebuhr

The sad duty of politics is to establish justice in a sinful world.

Reinhold Niebuhr