If wrinkles must be written on our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.
Interpretation
Physical aging is inevitable, but the essence of one's spirit can remain youthful.
James A. Garfield highlights the distinction between the physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and the vitality of one’s spirit. He suggests that while we may inevitably show signs of aging on our bodies, we should strive to keep our hearts and spirits young and vibrant, unmarked by the weariness that can come with life’s challenges.
In practice
During a graduation speech to inspire the young graduates to maintain their youthful spirit.
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.
Inspiration is a slender river of brightness leaping from a vast and eternal knowledge, it exceeds reason more perfectly than reason exceeds the knowledge of the senses.
It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active.
Yes, I want money more than anything else in the world.” “Then you’ve made the only choice. But there’s a penalty attached, as there is to most things you want. It’s loneliness.
People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.
Only by working within the laws that govern the flow of water will happiness be achieved.
Life is too short to be wasted in finding answers. Enjoy the questions.
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