Adlai Stevenson Quotes

Adlai Ewing Stevenson II, born on February 5, 1900, was an American politician and diplomat. He served as the 31st Governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953 and later as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1961 to 1965. Stevenson was known for his eloquence and wit, often delivering memorable speeches and quotes that continue to inspire and resonate today. In this article, we have compiled a collection of some of the most thought-provoking and insightful Adlai Stevenson quotes.

Throughout his career, Adlai Stevenson was a staunch advocate for peace, justice, and diplomacy. He firmly believed in the power of words and used them to convey his ideas and principles. His quotes encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, democracy, leadership, and the importance of public service. Let’s dive into these timeless Adlai Stevenson quotes that remind us of the importance of integrity and compassion in our society.

Read on to discover these inspiring Adlai Stevenson quotes:

Read these Adlai Stevenson quotes:

“The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.”

“Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

“In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem.”

“A wise man does not try to hurry history.”

“The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live and fear breeds repression. Too often, sinister threats to the Bill of Rights, to freedom of the mind, are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-communism.”

“Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.”

“A hungry man is not a free man.”

“Change is inevitable. Change for the better is a full-time job.”

“An independent is someone who wants to take the politics out of politics.”

“The sound of tireless voices is the price we pay for the right to hear the music of our own opinions.”

“To govern is to choose. To appear to be unable to choose is to appear to be unable to govern.”

“Public confidence in the integrity of the Government is indispensable to faith in democracy; and when we lose faith in the system, we have lost faith in everything we fight and spend for.”

“A beauty is a woman you notice; a charmer is one who notices you.”

“In democracy, we elect political leaders, not dictators. We entrust them with our hopes, not our fears.”

“The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal is the ultimate indignity to the democratic process.”

“The relationship of the toastmaster to speaker should be the same as that of the fan to the fan dancer. It should call attention to the subject without making any particular effort to cover it.”

“When you leave office, you ought to leave one thing behind you: a good name.”

“There is no evil in the atom; only in men’s souls.”

“I have been thinking that I would make a proposition to my Republican friends… that if they will stop telling lies about the Democrats, we will stop telling the truth about them.”

“The Republican Party needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the twentieth century.”

“We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led to the present.”

These Adlai Stevenson quotes are a testament to his intelligence, wit, and commitment to making a positive impact on society. They serve as a reminder that leadership is not just about power and authority but also about empathy, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. Let us draw inspiration from these quotes and strive to create a better world for future generations.