It is hard to see how a great man can be an atheist. Without the sustaining influence of faith in a divine power we could have little faith in ourselves. We need to feel that behind us is intelligence and love. Doubters do not achieve; skeptics do not contribute; cynics do not create. Faith is the great motive power, and no man realizes his full possibilities unless he has the deep conviction that life is eternally important, and that his work, well done, is a part of an unending plan.

He returned to Washington the next day and was re-sworn in by Justice Adolph A. Coolidge continued the previous administration's policy not to recognize the Soviet Union. "I think the American people want a solemn ass as a President" he once told Ethel Barrymore "and I think I will go along with them.

As a Coolidge biographer put it "He embodied the spirit and hopes of the middle class could interpret their longings and express their opinions. Coolidge restored public confidence in the White House after the scandals of his predecessor's administration and left office with considerable popularity. That he did represent the genius of the average is the most convincing proof of his strength.