Presidents past and present have shaped the course of history with their leadership and words. Their speeches and writings often reflect the trials of their time, offering insight into leadership, duty, democracy, and the role of citizens in shaping the world.
George Washington
- “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”
- “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”
Thomas Jefferson
- “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”
- “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”
Abraham Lincoln
- “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
- “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Theodore Roosevelt
- “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
- “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
- “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely.”
John F. Kennedy
- “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
- “Let every nation know… that we shall pay any price, bear any burden… to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
Ronald Reagan
- “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.”
- “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
Barack Obama
- “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.”
- “We are the change that we seek.”
Donald J. Trump
- “In America, we don’t worship government—we worship God.”
- “It’s time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.”
Joe Biden
- “We lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”
- “Our best days still lie ahead. This is the United States of America.”
Nelson Mandela (President of South Africa)
- “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
- “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
John Adams (2nd U.S. President)
- “Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”
- “Democracy… while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”
- “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.”
Harry S. Truman
- “The buck stops here.”
- “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
- “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “Leadership to me means duty, honor, country.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
- “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” – Ronald Reagan
- “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “Public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people.” – Margaret Chase Smith
- “Every man who takes office in Washington, either as President or in any other capacity, has to take a vow that he will support the Constitution of the United States.” – Calvin Coolidge
Presidential quotes remind us of the gravity of leadership, the importance of integrity, and the value of unity. As citizens, we are not only observers of governance but participants in a shared national story. These words serve to inspire our roles as voters, activists, educators, and future leaders.
“The power under the Constitution will always be in the people.” – George Washington
