Harvard University

We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.

The barrier to change is not too little caring. It is too much complexity.

From those to whom much is given, much is expected.

Whether through democracy, strong public education, quality health care, or broad economic opportunity—reducing inequity is the highest human achievement.

There is not a page of American history, of which we are proud, that was authored by a chronic complainer or prophet of despair. We are doers.

Because my parents fled in time, I escaped Hitler. Because of America's generosity, I escaped Stalin. Because of the vision of the Truman-Marshall generation, I have been privileged to live my life in freedom. Millions have still never had that opportunity.

Our conscience must catch up to our reason, otherwise we are lost.

Pride is precisely what will lead the world to hell. I am suggesting an alternative: humbly accepting our responsibility for the world.

The world is in the hands of us all. And yet some have a greater influence on its fate than others. The more influence a person has, the greater the demands placed on their sense of responsibility.

We human beings are grand because we have the power to understand. We ask questions about nature and most remarkably, we can construct mathematical models which explain how it works.

Our curiosity combined with our uncanny ability to find explanations defines us.

Hunger, inadequate medical care, poor housing, and inferior schools are the enemies of wonder. Doors closed for so many of our innately curious children cannot easily be opened.