Category Archives: Mediation Quotes

- Hamilton Mabie

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead

The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be
victory, but progress.

Joseph Joubert

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.

- William Ellery Channing

We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone…and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.

- Sandra Day O’Connor

Today in the U.S. we commemorate Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday honoring the two U.S. presidents born during this month–George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The following quote is from Lincoln, who studied law and became a successful attorney long before he contemplated a run for the White House.

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man.

This week’s quote comes from Lynn Johnston, creator of one of my all-time favorite comic strips, For Better or For Worse, which recounts the day-to-day joys and challenges of life in an extended Canadian family. (This is one of those rare comics which unfold in real time and in which children actually grow up and adults age.)

An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything.

Bertrand Russell, the influential philosopher, mathematician, political activist, and prolific writer, was a tireless advocate for peace and social justice. His words, such as those that follow, continue to hold relevance and meaning.

For love of domination we must substitute equality; for love of victory we must substitute justice; for brutality we must substitute intelligence; for competition we must substitute cooperation. We must learn to think of the human race as one family.

If you want to make peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.

- Moshe Dayan

The New England Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers last night, 41-27, to become AFC Champions for the second year straight. In honor of this spectacular achievement, I’m posting the following quote from the immortal Vince Lombardi:

People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.