William Jennings Bryan was a renowned American politician, lawyer, and orator who left an indelible mark on American history. Known as the “Great Commoner,” Bryan was a passionate advocate for the rights of the common people, and his words continue to inspire and guide us today.
In this article, we have compiled some of the most powerful and thought-provoking quotes by William Jennings Bryan that offer wisdom and inspiration for all. His profound insights on democracy, justice, and the pursuit of truth are as relevant today as they were during his time.
As you read through these quotes, you will be reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right, the power of the spoken word, and the potential for positive change in society. So, let these quotes by William Jennings Bryan empower you and motivate you to make a difference in the world.
“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”
In this quote, Bryan reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destiny. We should not simply wait for opportunities to come our way, but actively strive to achieve our goals and make a difference in the world.
Inspirational Quotes by William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan, a prominent American lawyer, politician, and orator, left behind a legacy of inspirational quotes that continue to inspire and resonate with people today. Here are some of his most famous and powerful quotes:
- “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.”
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
- “The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error.”
- “No one can earn a million dollars honestly.”
- “The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.”
- “Try to realize that the true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.”
- “The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.”
- “Mankind can be divided into three classes: those who believe in their ability, those who believe in the ability of others, and those who don’t believe in either.”
- “The gift that is given to me says much about the giver and the receiver. The power to give a picture of oneself is also the power to be influenced by others.”
- “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”
These quotes by William Jennings Bryan remind us of the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the power of belief in oneself and others. They serve as a source of inspiration and wisdom for navigating life’s challenges and making a positive impact on the world.
Wisdom from William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan, an American lawyer and politician, was known for his powerful speeches and passionate advocacy for the common people. Here are some of his most inspirational and thought-provoking quotes:
“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.”
These words remind us that our future is determined by the decisions we make and the actions we take. We have the power to shape our own destiny.
“A free press is not a privilege but an organic necessity in a great society.”
Bryan recognized the importance of a free press in maintaining a democratic society. He understood that a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable and ensuring that the truth is known to the people.
“The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.”
Bryan believed in the power of facing our fears and pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones. He understood that by taking risks and overcoming challenges, we can build confidence in ourselves and our abilities.
“The humblest citizen of all the land when clad in the armor of a righteous cause is stronger than all the hosts of error.”
This quote highlights the strength that comes from fighting for what is right and just. Bryan believed that even the most ordinary person, when standing up for a noble cause, has the power to overcome any opposition.
“The way to kill a man or a nation is to cut off his dreams, the way the whites are taking care of the Indians: killing their dreams, their magic, their familiar spirits.”
Bryan spoke out against the injustices faced by Native Americans and recognized the harm caused by stripping away their culture and traditions. He understood the importance of preserving the dreams and cultural heritage of all people.
These quotes from William Jennings Bryan serve as a reminder of the enduring wisdom and insight he imparted throughout his life. His words continue to inspire and challenge us to strive for a better society and to never stop fighting for what we believe in.
Famous Quotes by William Jennings Bryan
- “The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error.”
- “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.”
- “The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.”
- “The conventional view serves to protect us from the painful job of thinking.”
- “No one can earn a million dollars honestly.”
- “The chief duty of governments, in so far as they are coercive, is to restrain those who would interfere with the inalienable rights of the individual, among which are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
- “The humblest individual is equal to the mightiest corporation.”
- “The first duty of a government is to keep citizens safe from the infliction of crime, either by preventing it or by punishing the guilty.”
- “The people of Nebraska are for free silver, and I am for the people of Nebraska.”
- “The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error.”
Motivational Quotes by William Jennings Bryan
“Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”
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“The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.” |
“The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.” |
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“The measure of a man’s success must be according to his ability. The advancement he makes from the station in which he was born gives the degree of his success.” |
“The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret of outward success.” |
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“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” |
“Do not compute the totality of your poultry population until all the manifestations of incubation have been entirely completed.” |
“The ideal college is Mark Hopkins on one end of a log and a student on the other.”
Quotes for Success by William Jennings Bryan
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“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” |
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“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” |
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“The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.” |
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“The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.” |
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“The way to succeed is to double your error rate.” |
These quotes by William Jennings Bryan serve as a reminder that success is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. It requires us to take action and make choices that will propel us towards our goals. While failure may occur along the way, it is important to remember that it is not fatal. Success lies in having the courage to pick ourselves up and continue on our journey. Developing self-confidence is another key aspect of success. By facing our fears and building a record of successful experiences, we can strengthen our belief in ourselves. Additionally, these quotes highlight the importance of our influence on others. Even the humblest individual has the power to impact those around them, and it is up to us to use that influence for good. Lastly, the idea of doubling our error rate emphasizes the importance of taking risks and learning from our mistakes. It is through trial and error that we can achieve greater success in life.
Thought-Provoking Quotes by William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan, a prominent and influential American politician, lawyer, and orator, was known for his thought-provoking and inspirational quotes. Here are some of his most profound and impactful words:
- “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.”
- “No one can earn a million dollars honestly.”
- “The humblest citizen of all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error.”
- “The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.”
- “The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.”
- “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.”
- “The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.”
- “The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.”
These quotes by William Jennings Bryan remind us of the power of choice, the importance of individual influence, and the need to overcome fear to achieve success. They encourage us to embrace our destiny and strive for righteousness, while also acknowledging the impact we have on others. Reflecting on these thought-provoking quotes can inspire us to take action, make a difference, and lead a purposeful life.
Quotes on Leadership by William Jennings Bryan
“The humblest citizen of all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error.”
This quote by William Jennings Bryan highlights the power of leadership, emphasizing that even the most ordinary person can make a significant impact when fighting for a just cause.
“Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.”
Bryan’s words remind us that leaders are not determined by luck, but by the choices they make. True leadership comes from taking charge of one’s destiny.
“The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.”
This quote from Bryan emphasizes the importance of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and facing fears in order to build self-confidence. A true leader is not afraid to take risks and learn from their experiences.
“No one can earn a million dollars honestly.”
Bryan’s statement challenges the traditional notion of success, highlighting the importance of ethical leadership. A true leader understands the value of honesty, integrity, and hard work, and recognizes that true wealth cannot be obtained through dishonest means.
“Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.”
This quote by Bryan emphasizes that leadership is not defined by a job title, but rather by one’s actions and the example they set for others. True leaders lead by doing, not by dictating.
“There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.”
Bryan’s quote highlights the importance of financial responsibility in leadership. A true leader understands the danger of excessive debt and works towards economic stability for the benefit of their nation and its citizens.
“The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them.”
This quote by Bryan emphasizes the importance of humility and service in leadership. True leaders understand that even the smallest tasks can be meaningful and impactful, and they approach every task with love and care.
“The ability to speak and write in a way that reaches and moves people is a leadership asset.”
Bryan’s words highlight the power of effective communication in leadership. True leaders possess the skill to inspire and persuade others through their words, and they use this skill to bring about positive change.
“The humblest individual can be a leader without being aware that he is a leader.”
This quote by Bryan serves as a reminder that leadership is not always recognized or acknowledged. True leaders may not even realize the impact they have on others, but their actions and character inspire and motivate those around them.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
Bryan’s quote emphasizes the importance of servant leadership. True leaders prioritize the well-being and success of those they lead, putting the needs of others before their own.
Quotes on Change by William Jennings Bryan
1. “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”
2. “The winds of change blow constantly, and it is up to us to set our sails.”
3. “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
4. “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
5. “Change is not a threat, it’s an opportunity. Survival is not the goal, transformative success is.”
6. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
7. “Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”
8. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
9. “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
10. “Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix.”