Adlai Stevenson II on what makes a society free.

“My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.”

– Adlai Stevenson II

Adllai E. Stevenson II (1900-1965) served as governor of Illinois (1949-1953) and as US ambassador to the United Nations (1961-1965). He ran for president in 1952 and 1956 and was defeated both times by Dwight Eisenhower. Stevenson was the author of seven books.

The New York Times said of Stevenson:

Adlai Ewing Stevenson was a rarity in American public life, a cultivated, urbane, witty, articulate politician whose popularity was untarnished by defeat and whose stature grew in diplomacy.

Stevenson’s grandfather, Adlai Stevenson I, served as US vice president (1893-1897). His son, Adlai Stevenson III, was a US senator from Illinois from 1970 to 1981.

Happy Birthday Abe!

I’d like to take a moment to mark the 206th anniversary of the birth of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

Northern Illinois University has been digitizing Lincoln’s pre-Civil War papers. They can be read at the Abraham Lincoln Historical Digitization Project.

Jane Addams on civilization.

 “Civilization is a method of living, an attitude of equal respect for all men.”

– Jane Addams

Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a Chicago based social worker, peace activist, and author. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.