The President of the United States should strive to be always mindful of the fact that he serves his party best who serves his country best.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
We are in a period when old questions are settled and the new are not yet brought forward. Extreme party action, if continued in such a time, would ruin the party. Moderation is its only chance. The party out of power gains by all partisan conduct of those in power
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the need for moderation in political actions during transitional periods to maintain stability.
Rutherford B. Hayes highlights the importance of moderation within political parties during times of uncertainty, suggesting that extreme actions can be detrimental. He argues that while old issues have been resolved, new challenges have yet to emerge, making it crucial for parties to avoid polarizing behaviors that could lead to their downfall.
Themes
PoliticsModerationPartyPowerAction
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one could use this quote to advocate for a more moderate approach.
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All quotes →Unjust attacks on public men do them more good than unmerited praise.
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Personally I do not resort to force - not even the force of law - to advance moral reforms. I prefer education, argument, persuasion, and above all the influence of example - of fashion.
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Nothing brings out the lower traits of human nature like office-seeking. Men of good character and impulses are betrayed by it into all sorts of meanness.
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Wars will remain while human nature remains. I believe in my soul in cooperation, in arbitration; but the soldier's occupation we cannot say is gone until human nature is gone.
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The bold enterprises are the successful ones. Take counsel of hopes rather than of fears to win in this business.
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