From George Washington: Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience. Also, one too many leaders have forgotten: It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one. #OneADay #PresidentsWithoutPolitics #UntilElectionDay
Election Day
Presidential Quote #15: James Buchanan
James Buchanan was not one of our greatest presidents ever. But he was one that I learned about in grade school–since he was from Pennsylvania. What we learned: He was a lifelong bachelor. (We didn’t talk about sexuality in the early 1970’s. We learned that he drank a bit too much. And that someone once called…
Presidential Quote #14: John Quincy Adams
When I realized that my main character, Ari Fish, loved the presidents and was inspired by them, I spent a lot of time reading speeches and quotes by our country’s leaders. Since then, I have thought a lot about leadership–and talked to a lot of kids about it, too. Right now, we are encouraged to…
Presidential Quote #13: John F Kennedy
In 1960, Richard Nixon and John Kennedy participated in the first general presidential debates. So today, let’s quote John F Kennedy! So many good ones: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. Or this, from the 1960 debate: I…
Presidential Quote #12: Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter was the first President I voted for! He spoke often about the separation of Church and State. After last night’s news, I thought we could all use a glimmer of what we always expect from our Presidents: empathy. Soul. Inclusivity. Human rights is the soul of our foreign policy, because human rights is…
Presidential Quote #11: Harry S. Truman
I love this quote! I don’t think I need to explain why! America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. #OneADay #UntilElectionDay
Presidential Quote #10: Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson is credited with saying: I’m a Great Believer in Luck. The Harder I Work, the More Luck I Have (Whether he said it or not, no arguing with that!!! It’s true!!!) But today, let’s go to a more important reminder from our third President: Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude…
Presidential Quote #9: John Adams
In this campaign season, I am always reading about FACTS and their importance. (It’s funny–since when haven’t facts been important?) In any case, here are some wise words from John Adams. Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts…
Presidential Quote #8: Richard Nixon
A few presidents have been quoted about TAXES, including Abraham Lincoln and Richard Nixon. Since I’m saving Lincoln for later, here’s what Nixon had to say: “The President, when the IRS is concerned, I assure you, is just another citizen and even more so.” But my favorite Nixon quote is this one. Like yesterday’s it…
Presidential Quote #7: Andrew Jackson
Sometimes the Presidents say very specific things about everyday people. Sometimes, they address them directly. This one feels like writing advice. It feels right for Rosh Hashanah. It was also advice Ari needed in Beyond Lucky. Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in. Do you have…