Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was a vehement advocate for small government and laissez-faire economics. Known as “Silent Cal” for his quiet demeanor, Coolidge’s presidency was marked by his conservative political philosophy and his strong belief in the individual. Nevertheless, his words, often concise and simple yet profound, have stood the test of time. Here are 20 of Coolidge’s most popular quotes:
Top 20 Quotes by Calvin Coolidge
- “The business of America is business.”
- “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
- “It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow.”
- “There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no independence quite so important, as living within your means.”
- “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”
- “The chief business of the American people is business.”
- “I have never been hurt by what I have not said.”
- “Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.”
- “Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.”
- “Don’t expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.”
- “The man who builds a factory builds a temple. The man who works there worships there.”
- “If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you.”
- “There is no way to legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.”
- “We demand entire freedom of action and then expect the government in some miraculous way to save us from the consequences of our own acts.”
- “Duty is not collective; it is personal.”
- “We are too solicitous for government intervention, on the theory, first, that the people themselves are helpless, and second, that the Government has superior capacity for action. Often times both of these conclusions are wrong.”
- “After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world.”
- “Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshipped.”
- “No man ever listened himself out of a job.”
- “The most dangerous tendency of the modern world is the way in which bogus theories are given the force of dogma.”
Throughout his political career, Calvin Coolidge created a distinctive presidential philosophy. The above-mentioned quotes give a glimpse of his insights on business, industry, hard work, government intervention and individual responsibility. His wisdom still resonates and his legacy continues to make a significant impact on American politics and economics.