James Aloysius Burns

James Aloysius Burns (February 13, 1867 – September 9, 1940) was an American Catholic priest who served as president of the University of Notre Dame.

Quotes

• To understand a great movement in the world of thought or action, it is usually necessary to approach it on its historic side. It is difficult to grasp its inner spirit and purpose, or gauge aright its possibilities and power, except one. bring to the study of its present condition a thorough knowledge of its past. The larger and more complex the movement is, the more important the study of its past becomes. Only in its history are we able to discern, in clear perspective, the principles that gave it birth, presided over its development, and form the mainspring of its present activity.
  • The Catholic School System in the United States; Its Principles, Origin, and Establishment (1908)