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Bainbridge Colby Quotes

Powerful Bainbridge Colby for Daily Growth

About Bainbridge Colby

Bainbridge Colby (1870-1950), an influential American diplomat and poet, was born on June 6, 1870, in New York City to a family of prominent literary figures. His father, William C. Colby, was a successful lawyer, editor, and author, while his mother, Fanny Fern, was a renowned humorist and novelist. Colby's upbringing immersed him in the world of literature and intellect, fostering an early love for words and poetry. He attended private schools before graduating from Harvard University in 1892 with a degree in literature. In the following years, Colby pursued a career in journalism, working for several newspapers in New York City. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was appointed as the American Minister to Siam (now Thailand) in 1906. This role marked the beginning of his diplomatic career, which spanned over three decades and included positions in countries such as Japan, Russia, and China. As a diplomat, Colby played a significant role in shaping U.S.-Asia relations. His tenure was marked by efforts to promote American interests while fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Despite his busy schedule, Colby continued to write poetry, often drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures he encountered during his travels. Colby's major works include "The Open Door" (1920), a collection of poems reflecting on his experiences in Asia, and "Asia, My Asian Years" (1948), an autobiographical account of his diplomatic career. These works not only showcased Colby's skill as a poet but also provided valuable insights into the political and cultural landscapes of his time. Bainbridge Colby passed away on May 27, 1950, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and diplomacy that continues to influence contemporary perspectives on U.S.-Asia relations. His life serves as a testament to the power of literature and diplomacy in shaping global understanding and cooperation.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"No man ever steps in the same river twice."

The quote by Bainbridge Colby, "No man ever steps in the same river twice," suggests that change is an inherent aspect of life. It implies that every experience, no matter how seemingly repetitive or familiar, is unique because we are different people at different points in time. This notion emphasizes the importance of embracing change and recognizing the transient nature of our existence.

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."

Bainbridge Colby's quote "The purpose of life is a life of purpose" suggests that one should strive to live a meaningful, directed, and significant life. It underscores the importance of finding personal goals and pursuing them with passion, rather than simply existing without direction or aim. A life filled with purpose is considered fulfilling, impactful, and rewarding as it allows individuals to make a positive difference in their own lives and the world around them.

"Success seems to be connected with action."

This quote emphasizes the idea that success is closely tied to taking action. It suggests that inaction, or merely dreaming about success, is not enough; rather, one must actively strive towards their goals for any meaningful progress or achievement. The implication is that by putting effort into our plans and ideas, we increase the likelihood of experiencing success.

"Aim above morality. Be not necessarily good; be great."

The quote suggests that one should strive for excellence rather than focusing solely on being 'good' or moral. Instead, the aim is to become great, which might require going beyond the conventional expectations of morality in pursuit of extraordinary achievements. This doesn't imply disregarding moral values but rather transcending them to reach new heights and potentials. In other words, the focus should be on personal growth and greatness while upholding a moral foundation.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This quote emphasizes the power of optimism and faith in one's aspirations. It suggests that individuals with a strong belief in their dreams, who visualize and strive for a better future, are more likely to succeed and shape the course of events. In essence, it encourages us to dream big, maintain confidence, and persist in our pursuit of those dreams to create a brighter tomorrow.

America stands for individual liberty, but that means an ordered liberty.

- Bainbridge Colby

Stands, Means, Ordered, Individual Liberty

That does not mean that we must forego just and fair criticism, or refrain from opposition to policies which are debatable or which do not command our approval.

- Bainbridge Colby

Approval, Which, Debatable, Refrain

But we must not, if we are loyal, disperse our energies in a partisan warfare that is waged without regard to its consequences to the well being, security, or honor of the country.

- Bainbridge Colby

Country, Loyal, Waged, Energies

A liberty subject to law and subordinate to the common welfare.

- Bainbridge Colby

Law, Liberty, Common, Subordinate

We must be loyal to the forum of our government.

- Bainbridge Colby

Government, Loyal, Must, Forum

And one cannot discharge the duty of loyalty without the patient and an open minded study of the institution that marked the country and defined its character.

- Bainbridge Colby

Country, Study, Marked, Discharge

Thus, only in a hopeful and confident temper, in a proud and constructive spirit, will we rescue the present and safeguard the future of our beloved country.

- Bainbridge Colby

Proud, Country, Thus, Rescue

An intelligent and conscientious opposition is a part of loyalty to country.

- Bainbridge Colby

Opposition, Country, Part, Conscientious

The social and industrial structure of America is founded upon an enlightened citizenship.

- Bainbridge Colby

Social, Industrial, Founded, Enlightened

It is a high patriotic duty that we support and sustain the men who have been placed in position of difficulty, burden, responsibility, and even danger as the result of our suffrages.

- Bainbridge Colby

Been, Patriotic, Placed, Sustain

Americanism demands loyalty to the teacher and respect for his lesson.

- Bainbridge Colby

Teacher, Loyalty, His, Demands

I am deeply concerned with the diminution of the teaching strength of the country as a result of the disproportionately low salaries that are paid to teachers throughout the country.

- Bainbridge Colby

Strength, Country, Concerned, Diminution

We must stifle the voice of hatred and faction.

- Bainbridge Colby

Voice, Hatred, Faction, Stifle

Like pictures, men should be judged by their merits and not by their defects.

- Bainbridge Colby

Men, Like, Defects, Merits

The test of good citizenship is loyalty to country.

- Bainbridge Colby

Loyalty, Country, Test, Citizenship

Loyalty will not permit envy, hate, and uncharitableness to creep into our public thinking.

- Bainbridge Colby

Envy, Will, Public, Permit

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