The Irony of American History[Niebuhr] is one of my favorite philosophers. I take away [from his works] the compelling idea that theres serious evil in the world, and hardship and pain. And we should be humble and modest in our belief we can eliminate those things. But we shouldnt use that as an excuse for cynicism and inaction. I take away . . . the sense we have to make these efforts knowing they are hard.President Barack Obama Forged during the tumultuous but triumphant