Few women, I fear, have had such reason as I have to think the long sad years of youth were worth living for the sake of middle age.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the struggles of youth can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful middle age.
Eisenhower reflects on his life, acknowledging the difficult times he experienced during his youth but ultimately expressing that these challenges were necessary for the richer, more rewarding experience of middle age. It implies that enduring hardships can provide valuable lessons and perspectives that enhance future enjoyment and fulfillment.
In practice
This quote could be used during a graduation speech to encourage students facing challenges.
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.
What a miracle life is and how alike are all souls when they send their roots down deep and meet and are one!
We think of bulimia and anorexia as either a bizarre psychosis, or as a quirky little habit, a phase, or as a thing that women just do. We forget that it is a violent act, that it bespeaks a profound level of anger toward and fear of the self.
Wherever life takes us, there are always moments of wonder.
Life shoould be touched, not strangled. You've got to relax, let it happen at times, and at other move forward with it.
Daily dawns another day; I must up, to make my way. Though I dress and drink and eat, Move my fingers and my feet, Learn a little, here and there, Weep and laugh and sweat and swear, Hear a song, or watch a stage, Leave some words upon a page, Claim a foe, or hail a friend- Bed awaits me at the end.
She was doing it because she had nothing to lose, because her life was one of constant, day to day frustration.
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