Nisbet recognized that communities that serve important social functions in our lives, such as families and parishes and social clubs, give structure to our day-to-day living, and thus contribute to our identity. But when the functions of these communities fade or are replaced, such as by the government, their strength as identity-forming institutions fades as well.

here I was, eager for Learning and intellectual companionship—maybe even a disputation or two.

What thing is so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to talk of the things of God?

A big man is one who makes us feel bigger when we are with him.

A leader who produces other leaders multiples their influences.

Relational skills are the most important abilities in leadership.

You think you know someone your whole life, and he turns out to be a German-gypsy interdimensional dark elf spy who can cloud men's minds. Go figure.

But we ever find, that even those who have not been deficient in their zeal for piety, nor in reverence and sobriety in handling the mysteries of God, have by no means agreed among themselves on every point; for God hath never favored his servants with so great a benefit, that they were all endued with a full and perfect knowledge in every thing; and, no doubt, for this end — that he might first keep them humble; and secondly, render them disposed to cultivate brotherly intercourse.

Good ball players make good citizens.

Real relationship is gritty and earthy, the stuff that life is made of.

I got to see the best players in the world every year the week after the U.S. Nationals, which is now known as the US Open, in Los Angeles. That made a huge difference in my life.

No relationship in this world ever remains warm and close unless a real effort is made on both sides to keep it so.