quotations about reform
As with almost every reform that I have ever undertaken, most of the opposition took the guise of shrewd slander. Our opponents relied chiefly on downright misrepresentation of what it was that we were trying to accomplish, and of our methods, acts, and personalities.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
An Autobiography
ON ANOTHER occasion I met a group of reformers. The atmosphere seemed rarified. The talk was of high things. We fairly bathed in spirituality. Soon, however, the situation changed. The reformers became involved in an argument. They grew vehement, angry. Each tried to keep the others from talking that he might talk himself. And I saw that they were all animated with fury, because they believed they were fighting for the right. The fact was, of course, that each was fighting for his opinion, asserting himself, beating down the others so that his view might prevail. It was a painful scene, yet comic. No opinions were changed. There was great damage to feelings. One remark struck me as particularly illuminating. But it wasn't merely a remark. It was a roar, directed by one reformer at another reformer. "I guess you haven't got the truth yet!"
JOHN DANIEL BARRY
"Reformers", Intimations
The voice of great events is proclaiming to us, Reform, that you may preserve.
THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY
speech on parliamentary reform, March 2, 1831