19 Things Dads Can Learn from Past Presidents
Posted on 27 September 2008 by Jeremy
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The President of the United States is often referred to as the “leader of the free world.” Similarly, Dads are often known as the “leaders of free advice” for their children. We dads dispense pearls of wisdom to our kids to influence simple changes in behavior, whereas past Presidents used quips and maxims to influence changes among nations.
All of us want to become better fathers, and there is a lot to learn from great leaders of the past.
Here are 19 Things Dads Can Learn from Past Presidents:
1. Nobody is perfect. As John Adams said, “No man is entirely free from weakness and imperfection in this life.”
2. Values are a necessity in life. As Jimmy Carter said, “Our American values are not luxuries, but necessities— not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself.”
3. Punishment fits the crime. As Grover Cleveland said, “No man has ever yet been hanged for breaking the spirit of a law.”
4. Keep moving forward. As Bill Clinton said, “Yesterday is yesterday. If we try to recapture it, we will only lose tomorrow.”
5. You get what you pay for in life. As Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There is no victory at bargain basement prices.”
6. Play fair and by the rules. As Millard Fillmore said, “An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.”
7. Life is not rocket science – don’t make things harder than they need to be. As Gerald Ford said, “Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time.”
8. Act on ideas and try new things. As James Garfield said, “Ideas control the world.”
9. Treat others with fairness, respect and dignity. As Benjamin Harrison said, “I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process.”
10. No one likes a show off. As Herbert Hoover said, “All men are equal before fish.”
11. Be careful what you say. As Thomas Jefferson said, “When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.”
12. Admit when you don’t know the answer or what to do. As Lyndon Johnson said, “You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right.”
13. Embrace change. As John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
14. We all have something in common. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them.”
15. Make the best of every situation. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
16. Take responsibility for your own actions. As Harry Truman said, “The buck stops here!”
17. Do a job right. As Martin Van Buren said, “It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.”
18. Choose your friends wisely. As George Washington said, “Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
19. All of us are smarter than one of us. As Woodrow Wilson said, “I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.”
No matter what your political persuasion, there are many things Dads can learn from past Presidents of the United States. In addition to these useful insights, it is important for all parents to talk about the upcoming national election in the U.S. on November 4th. One of the smartest things any dad can do is teach his kids the importance of voting.
What is your favorite quote, maxim or lesson learned from a past U.S. President?
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Tags | George Washington quotes, Harry Truman quotes, inspirational quotes, John Kennedy quotes, Martin Van Buren quotes, quotes by presidents, quotes for dads, Woodrow Wilson quotes
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September 28th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
What’s amazing to me is that in our day the President likely doesn’t write the quote or maxim. Yet, it has power because of the leader who delivers it to the people. Perhaps the same is true for fathers. It doesn’t matter if what we convey to them isn’t original. As long as we have a relationship of love and respect with them, they will likely internalize the words we convey. You worked hard on this list. There is something here of use for every dad. Thanks for sharing.
September 29th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Moms can appreciate (and use) these quotes, too!
Great list. My suggestion for additions:
Don’t be afraid to stick to your guns: “One man with courage is a majority.” (Thomas Jefferson)
Kill them with kindness: “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” (Abraham Lincoln)
Honesty IS the best policy: “Above all, tell the truth.” (Grover Cleveland)
It’s often better to keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open: “I have never been hurt by anything I didn’t say.” (Calvin Coolidge) and “You ain’t learning nothing when you’re talking.” (LBJ)
Don’t be afraid to mess up: “The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing.” (Teddy Roosevelt) and “We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers.” (Woodrow Wilson) and “If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person.” (Bill Clinton)