Leonardo da Vinci

As every divided kingdom falls, so every mind divided between many studies confounds and saps itself.
~Leonardo da Vinci

Author Profession: Artist
Nationality: Italian
Born: April 15, 1452
Died: May 2, 1519

Wikipedia

Commentary:
I present to you this quote mostly because of the separation the American people face.  This separation is damaging the country and if we do not heed the words and wisdom from history we will become nothing more than history.

Abraham Lincoln

"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."
~Abraham Lincoln

Author Profession: President
Nationality: American
Born: February 12, 1809
Died: April 15, 1865

Wikipedia

Commentary:
Many things can be said about his motives and how he executed them be them positive or negative, but regardless of the situation of Lincoln's day his statement holds more true today than ever before.

Lewis Mumford

"The way people in democracies think of the government as something different from themselves is a real handicap. And, of course, sometimes the government confirms their opinion."
~Lewis Mumford

Author Profession: Sociologist, Historian, Writer
Nationality: American
Born: October 19, 1895
Died: January 26, 1990

Wikipedia

Commentary:
I am new to Lewis Mumford's work and based on what I see thus far I hope to continue exploring his work and writings.

Thomas Paine

The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security.
~Thomas Paine

Profession: Writer
Nationality: English
Born: January 29, 1737
Died: June 8, 1809

Wikipedia

Commentary:
One of of America's great thinkers, writers and believers of liberty.

Cullen Hightower

"The mistakes made by Congress wouldn't be so bad if the next Congress didn't keep trying to correct them."
~Cullen Hightower

Profession: Writer, Soldier, Salesman
Nationality: American
Born: 1923 
Died: November 27, 2008

Wikipedia

Commentary:
I think the quote speaks for itself.

Jonathan Swift

"For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery."
~Jonathan Swift

Profession: Writer
Nationality: Irish
Born: November 30, 1667
Died: October 19, 1745

Wikipedia

Commentary:
I believe this is an appropriate quote and lesson in any time or generation.  The people must keep focus on the on-goings of their Government and hold them accountable for their actions.

Napoleon Bonaparte

"If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots."
~Napoleon Bonaparte

Profession: Emperor of France, King of Italy
Nationality: French
Born: August 15, 1769
Died: May 5, 1821

Wikipedia

Commentary:
Leader of men, conqueror of nations.  Some see him as a tyrant, some as a champion most are unaware that Napoleon's policies were very aggressive and can be felt today with the metric system enforcement and the civil rights for minorities.  The methods might be questionable but the impact was great.