James Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1881, until his untimely death on September 19, 1881. Despite his short tenure in office, President Garfield left behind a legacy of wisdom and insight. Here are some of his famous quotes that continue to inspire and resonate with people today.
“If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.”
These words remind us of the importance of maintaining a youthful spirit, regardless of our age. Garfield believed that true age is not measured by the number of years but by the vibrancy of the soul.
“Ideas control the world.”
Garfield recognized the power of ideas and their ability to shape the course of history. He believed that it is through ideas that societies progress and evolve, making this quote an enduring reminder of the importance of intellectual curiosity and innovation.
“Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”
This quote highlights Garfield’s belief in the transformative power of education. He understood that a well-educated population is a crucial foundation for a just and free society. This timeless wisdom emphasizes the importance of investing in education as a means to create a better future.
Even though President Garfield’s time in office was tragically cut short, his words continue to inspire people around the world. His quotes embody his beliefs on the resilience of the human spirit, the power of ideas, and the importance of education. They serve as a reminder of the lasting impact one can make through wise and thoughtful words.
James Garfield: Famous Quotes
“Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”
These words by James Garfield emphasize the significance of education in maintaining a just and free society. He believed that education is essential for individuals to fully exercise their rights and contribute to the betterment of society.
“If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written on our hearts. The spirit should not grow old.”
Garfield’s quote reminds us to maintain a youthful and optimistic spirit regardless of the challenges or setbacks we face. He encourages us to approach life with vitality and passion, constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities for growth.
“I have noticed that whenever a person who has been a soldier talks about the military, there is one word they almost always use: ‘we.'”
Garfield, who served as a Union Army general during the Civil War, highlighted the strong camaraderie and sense of belonging that soldiers develop. This quote reflects the bond and shared experiences that soldiers cherish, and the lasting impact these experiences have on their lives.
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
Garfield humorously acknowledges that facing the truth can initially be painful or uncomfortable. However, he also recognizes that acknowledging truth is essential for personal growth and freedom from falsehood or deception.
“A pound of pluck is worth a ton of luck.”
In this quote, Garfield emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, and effort. He suggests that having a resilient spirit and taking action are more valuable than relying solely on luck or chance.
Leadership Quotes
“If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.”
– James Garfield
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
– James Garfield
“A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil in the face and tell him he is a Devil.”
– James Garfield
“The truth is the best vindication against slander.”
– James Garfield
“The truth is always the strongest argument.”
– James Garfield
Success Quotes
“Success is not the key to happiness.
Inspirational Quotes
In times of difficulty, remember that perseverance is key. “Great lives never go out; they go on.“
When faced with obstacles, embrace the challenge. “There is no great leap forward without a pinch of chaos.“
Never be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. “I have had many troubles in my life, but the worst of them never came.”
Believe in yourself and your abilities. “I am a slow walker, but I never walk backward.“
Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.”
Stay true to your values and stand up for what you believe in. “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.“
Never stop learning and seeking knowledge. “If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written on the heart. The spirit should not grow old.”
Remember to always be kind and show compassion towards others. “If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it’s the best possible substitute for it.“
Cherish the present moment and strive to make the most of it. “Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”
Lastly, never give up on your dreams and aspirations. “Be fit for more than the thing you are now doing. Let everyone know that you have a reserve in yourself; that you have more power than you are now using.”
Wisdom Quotes
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
– James A. Garfield
“The great fact is, that the world is a solemn fact.”
– James A. Garfield
“Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”
– James A. Garfield
“The best thing I know of about Jesus is that He can save a man and make him a good husband and father.”
– James A. Garfield
“If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.”
– James A. Garfield
Motivational Quotes
2. “If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.” – James A. Garfield
3. “Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be maintained.” – James A. Garfield
4. “The only ambitious guest at a dinner table would be a turkey.” – James A. Garfield
5. “Be fit for more than the thing you are now doing. Let everyone know that you have a reserve in yourself; that you have more power than you are now using. If you are not too large for the place you occupy, you are too small for it.” – James A. Garfield
| Quote | Author |
|---|---|
| “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” | James A. Garfield |
| “If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old.” | James A. Garfield |
| “Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be maintained.” | James A. Garfield |
| “The only ambitious guest at a dinner table would be a turkey.” | James A. Garfield |
| “Be fit for more than the thing you are now doing. Let everyone know that you have a reserve in yourself; that you have more power than you are now using. If you are not too large for the place you occupy, you are too small for it.” | James A. Garfield |
Education Quotes
A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. – James Garfield
The ideal college is Mark Hopkins on one end of a log and a student on the other. – James Garfield
- Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained. – James Garfield
- The measure of a civilization is in the intellectual and moral education of its children. – James Garfield
- The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable. – James Garfield
A man should be sad if he does not learn something every day. – James Garfield
The ignorant classes are the dangerous classes. – James Garfield
I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty. – James Garfield
Government Quotes
“The people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.”
“The ideal of government is that of a wise and ordered legislation, which shall leave nothing to be arbitrary or capricious, but shall exercise a constant and vigilant supervision over all its officials and agents.”
“The true genius of republican government is the ability to discover and bring forth the talents and virtues of the people.”
“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
“I never can see that a difference in opinion is any reason why people should become enemies.”
Legacy Quotes
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”
– James Garfield
“If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.”
– James Garfield
“There are two types of education… One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live.”
– James Garfield
“Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”
– James Garfield
“Man cannot live by bread alone; he must have peanut butter.”
– James Garfield