There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. The teach the truth by living it.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the impact of individuals who embody virtues like kindness and integrity, regardless of their life roles.
James A. Garfield highlights the importance of character and virtue in making the world a better place. He suggests that people who demonstrate qualities such as kindness, courage, loyalty, and integrity teach valuable lessons through their actions and the way they live their lives, regardless of their profession or situation. Their influence is profound, as they exemplify the truth of these virtues in everyday life.
In practice
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'We should strive to be like those who make the world better just by being themselves.'
Statistical science is indispensable to modern statesmanship. In legislation as in physical science it is beginning to be understood that we can control terrestrial forces only by obeying their laws. The legislator must formulate in his statutes not only the national will, but also those great laws of social life revealed by statistics.
I am trying to do two things: dare to be a radical and not a fool, which is a matter of no small difficulty.
Justice and goodwill will outlast passion.
Now more than ever 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.
If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it.
Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
One of the most obvious facts about grownups to a child is that they have forgotten what it is like to be a child.
And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
Whoever admits that he is too busy to improve his methods, has acknowledged himself to be at the end of his rope. And that is always the saddest predicament which any one can get into.
Error is not just acceptable, it is necessary for the continuation of life, provided it is not too great. A large error is a catastrophe, a small error is essential for enhancing existence. Without error, there is no movement. Death follows.
I used to think God guided us by opening and closing doors, but now I know sometimes God wants us to kick some doors down.
When you procrastinate, you're more likely to let your mind wander. That gives you a better chance of stumbling onto the unusual and spotting unexpected patterns.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.