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 oneβs 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 lifeβs 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.
I think pastors are the worst listeners. We're so used to speaking, teaching, giving answers. We must learn to be quiet, quit being so verbal, learn to pay attention to what's going on, and listen.
With each book I write, I become more and more convinced that the books have a life of their own, quite apart from me.
There are two good things in life - freedom of thought and freedom of action.
You will learn a lot about yourself if you stretch in the direction of goodness, of bigness, of kindness, of forgiveness, of emotional bravery. Be a warrior for love.
I like feeling my way into different minds and experiences. It comes naturally and always has.
Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have.
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