Welcome to our collection of insightful and inspiring quotes by Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States. Rutherford Birchard Hayes, known for his integrity and commitment to civil service, served as president from 1877 to 1881. Born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes rose to prominence as a lawyer and Union Army officer during the American Civil War. His presidency was marked by efforts to reconcile the nation following the tumultuous Reconstruction Era, striving for unity and progress in the wake of significant social and political challenges.
Throughout his life, Hayes demonstrated a keen intellect and a dedication to principles of justice and equality. His words reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of governance and the responsibilities of leadership. From matters of democracy to the importance of education, Hayes’s quotes continue to resonate with timeless wisdom and relevance. Explore these quotes below, and discover the enduring wisdom of Rutherford B. Hayes.
The truth is, this being errand boy to one hundred and fifty thousand people tires me so by night I am ready for bed instead of soirees. Rutherford B. Hayes
Wars will remain while human nature remains. I believe in my soul in cooperation, in arbitration; but the soldier’s occupation we cannot say is gone until human nature is gone. Rutherford B. Hayes
The President of the United States should strive to be always mindful of the fact that he serves his party best who serves his country best. Rutherford B. Hayes
As friends go it is less important to live. Rutherford B. Hayes
I am less disposed to think of a West Point education as requisite for this business than I was at first. Good sense and energy are the qualities required. Rutherford B. Hayes
No person connected with me by blood or marriage will be appointed to office. Rutherford B. Hayes
The independence of all political and other bother is a happiness. Rutherford B. Hayes
Must swear off from swearing. Bad habit. Rutherford B. Hayes
Let every man, every corporation, and especially let every village, town, and city, every county and State, get out of debt and keep out of debt. It is the debtor that is ruined by hard times. Rutherford B. Hayes
Universal suffrage is sound in principle. The radical element is right. Rutherford B. Hayes
To vote is like the payment of a debt, a duty never to be neglected, if its performance is possible. Rutherford B. Hayes
Unjust attacks on public men do them more good than unmerited praise. Rutherford B. Hayes
We are in a period when old questions are settled and the new are not yet brought forward. Extreme party action, if continued in such a time, would ruin the party. Moderation is its only chance. The party out of power gains by all partisan conduct of those in power. Rutherford B. Hayes
I am not liked as a President by the politicians in office, in the press, or in Congress. But I am content to abide the judgment the sober second thought of the people. Rutherford B. Hayes
In avoiding the appearance of evil, I am not sure but I have sometimes unnecessarily deprived myself and others of innocent enjoyments. Rutherford B. Hayes
The unrestricted competition so commonly advocated does not leave us the survival of the fittest. The unscrupulous succeed best in accumulating wealth. Rutherford B. Hayes
I am a radical in thought (and principle) and a conservative in method (and conduct). Rutherford B. Hayes
He serves his party best who serves his country best. Rutherford B. Hayes
Do not let your bachelor ways crystallize so that you can’t soften them when you come to have a wife and a family of your own. Rutherford B. Hayes
One of the tests of the civilization of people is the treatment of its criminals. Rutherford B. Hayes
Law without education is a dead letter. With education the needed law follows without effort and, of course, with power to execute itself; indeed, it seems to execute itself. Rutherford B. Hayes
Conscience is the authentic voice of God to you. Rutherford B. Hayes
The filth and noise of the crowded streets soon destroy the elasticity of health which belongs to the country boy. Rutherford B. Hayes
The progress of society is mainly the improvement in the condition of the workingmen of the world. Rutherford B. Hayes
The bold enterprises are the successful ones. Take counsel of hopes rather than of fears to win in this business. Rutherford B. Hayes
Universal suffrage should rest upon universal education. To this end, liberal and permanent provision should be made for the support of free schools by the State governments, and, if need be, supplemented by legitimate aid from national authority. Rutherford B. Hayes
Virtue is defined to be mediocrity, of which either extreme is vice. Rutherford B. Hayes
It is the desire of the good people of the whole country that sectionalism as a factor in our politics should disappear. Rutherford B. Hayes
