"True, we build no bridges. We raise no towers. We construct no engines. We paint no pictures - unless as amateurs for our own amusement. There is little of all that we do which the eye of man can see. But we smooth out difficulties; we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we take up other men's burdens and by our efforts we make possible the peaceful life of men in a peaceful state."

-- John W. Davis, Address at 75th Anniversary Proceedings of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York (March 16, 1946)