I have found out in later years that we were very poor, but the glory of America is that we didn't know it then.
Interpretation
Ignorance of poverty contributed to a sense of joy and fulfillment in life.
This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower reflects on the idea that sometimes, unawareness of one's difficult circumstances can lead to a more satisfying and glorious experience of life. It suggests that the perception of wealth and happiness can sometimes be more significant than the actual conditions one faces, emphasizing the importance of perspective and mindset.
In practice
In a speech about resilience in difficult times.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
When the mind is full of memories and preoccupied by the future, it misses the freshness of the present moment. In this way, we fail to recognize the luminous simplicity of mind that is always present behind the veils of thought.
It's not a slam at you when people are rude, it's a slam at the people they've met before.
Ironically, in today's marketplace successful nonfiction has to be unbelievable, while successful fiction must be believable.
If you love money and you want to be creative, you cannot become creative. The very ambition for money is going to destroy your creativity. If you want fame, then forget about creativity. Fame comes easier if you are destructive.
If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability.
Economy is half the battle in life, but it is not so hard to earn money as to spend it well. Hundreds would never have known want if they had not first known waste.
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