Introductory note on American Historical Documents (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

Washington declared that the strength of the new nation lay in the "pure and immutable principles of private morality." A free government, fortified by the virtues and affection of its citizens, can command the respect of the world. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

Washington inaugurated April 30, 1789.

Introductory note on The Thousand and One Nights (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Sindbad, a poor man, recited woeful verses before the magnificent dwelling of Sindbad of the Sea. The great Sindbad, hearing him, invited the poor Sindbad to a feast and told the wonderful story of his fabulous fortune. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on The Book of Ecclesiastes (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

Three hundred years before Christ, a preacher in Jerusalem complained that there was no new thing under the sun. Everything considered new had really existed in the time of the fathers. Sophisticated and modern is this writer of 2,300 years ago. (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Ralph Waldo Emerson (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

The Puritan world feared Beauty. Emerson, great American essayist and philosopher, declared that the world was made for beauty, and openly worshiped at beauty's shrine. (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

Emerson died April 27, 1882.

Introductory note on David Hume (Volume 37, Harvard classics)

Just what constitutes a miracle? Does Science indorse miracles? One wonders why such marvelous things do not happen often nowadays. Hume tells why. (Volume 37, Harvard Classics)

David Hume born April 26, 1711.