No harm's done to history by making it something someone would want to read."(The Course of Human Events, NEH Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities 2003) - David McCullough
Nothing ever invented provides such sustenance, such infinite reward for time spent, as a good book. - David McCullough
In an exhibition wherein paintings of nudes were commonplace, that of Madame Gautreau in her black evening dress was considered scandalously erotic. -from The Greater Journey - David McCullough
[While writing history], I've kept the most interesting company imaginable with people long gone. Some I've come to know better than many I know in real life, since in real life we don't get to read other people's mail. - David McCullough
You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history. - David McCullough
There is only one person who can measure your success. That person is you. - David McCullough
History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are. - David McCullough
Measurements "are never enough. The artist's eye and desire to breathe life into the subject must be the deciding factors. - David McCullough
All the money anyone needs is just enough to prevent one from being a burden to others. -Bishop Milton Wright - David McCullough
To me, history ought to be a source of pleasure. It isn't just part of our civic responsibility. To me, it's an enlargement of the experience of being alive, just the way literature or art or music is."[The Title Always Comes Last; NEH 2003 Jefferson Lecturer interview profile] - David McCullough
Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That's why it's so hard."(Interview with NEH chairman Bruce Cole, Humanities, July/Aug. 2002, Vol. 23/No. 4) - David McCullough
marinate your mind - David McCullough
Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love. - David McCullough