I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them.
George H. W. BushRead
If I were to give advice to young people, high-achieving young people for example, I’d have to say, don’t neglect your family. Politics is important, sitting at the head table is glamorous. Traveling around the world, trying to do something for world peace was wonderful. But family and friends and faith are what really matter in life. And I know that. I see it so clearly now.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and relationships over political success and public acclaim.
In a reflective statement, George H. W. Bush shares his belief that while career accomplishments and political engagements can be glamorous and fulfilling, they pale in comparison to the value of family, friends, and faith. He urges young achievers to remember this truth as they navigate their lives, highlighting that true fulfillment stems from maintaining these essential connections rather than solely pursuing fame or recognition. His wisdom underscores a universal priority: the bonds of love and support that family and friends provide.
Themes
FamilyRelationshipsPrioritiesSuccessFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a graduation speech to encourage young graduates to cherish their relationships.
More from George H. W. Bush
All quotes →One of the good things about the way the Gulf War ended in 1991 is, you'd see the Vietnam veterans marching with the Gulf War veterans.
George H. W. BushRead
Communism didn't fall. It was pushed.
George H. W. BushRead
The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.
George H. W. BushRead
It's too much show business and too much prompting, too much artificiality, and not really debates. They're rehearsed appearances.
George H. W. BushRead
Appeasement does not work. As was the case in the 1930s, we see in Saddam Hussein an aggressive dictator threatening his neighbors.
George H. W. BushRead
Similar quotes
As a parent, you have to be good coach and bad coach, and I think in the college-application process, I didn't want to be bad coach. 'This is amazing! I'm so proud of you!' That's the role I wanted with my kids.
Laurene Powell JobsRead
My kids are the most inspiring thing that pushes me. It used to be because they were born, and I had to take care of them. Now it's because my son raps, and he's better than me. So now I gotta keep up with him, you know what I'm saying?
Talib KweliRead
I've learned... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
Andy RooneyRead
My mother had taught shorthand and typing to support us since my father died, and secretly she hated it and hated him for dying and leaving no money because he didn't trust life insurance salesmen.
Sylvia PlathRead
A Message to Children Who Have Read This Book - When you grow up and have children of your own, do please remember something important: a stodgy parent is no fun at all. What a child wants and deserves is a parent who is SPARKY.
Roald DahlRead
Some morning while your eating breakfast and you need something new to think about, though, you might want to ponder the fact that you see your kids across the table not as they are but as they once were, about three nanoseconds ago.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead