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.
We throw all our attention on the utterly idle question whether A has done as well as B, when the only question is whether A has done as well as he could.
Faith is the yes of the heart.
No wise pilot, no matter how great his talent and experience, fails to use his checklist.
Minds are like swords, I do fear. The old ones go to rust.
Sometimes early in my career I thought what I did was who I was. As you mature, I've learned that is not the case. This is what I do, this is not who I am.
I think that's one of the maybe under-discussed aspects of process - the difference between a good writing day and a bad one is the quality of the split-second decisions you made.
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