51 Quotes by S. I. Hayakawa

We live in a highly competitive society, each of us trying to outdo the other in wealth, in popularity or social prestige, in dress, in scholastic grades or golf scores. One is often tempted to say that conflict, rather than cooperation, is the great governing principle of human life.

The great thing about the United States is our ability to absorb foreign people and make them a part of us.

The United States, a land of immigrants from every corner of the world, has been strengthened and unified because its newcomers have historically chosen ultimately to forgo their native language for the English language. We have all benefited from the sharing of ideas, of cultures and beliefs, made possible by a common language. We have all enriched each other.

The English Language Amendment says above all, 'Let's see to it that our children, our young people, learn English. Let us not deny them the opportunity to participate in American life, so that they can go as far as their dreams and talents can take them.

If I spoke no English, my world would be limited to the Japanese-speaking community, and no matter how talented I was, I could never do business, seek employment or take part in public affairs outside that community.

I believe we are being dishonest with language minority groups if we tell them they can take full part in American life without learning the English language.

The United States is enriched by many cultures, and united by a single common language.

English, our common language, binds our diverse people.

Agreement is brought about by changing people's minds - other people's.