Charles Henry Parkhurst Quotes

Powerful Charles Henry Parkhurst for Daily Growth

About Charles Henry Parkhurst

Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933) was an influential American journalist and social reformer, renowned for his advocacy of temperance, women's suffrage, and civil rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Cattaraugus County, New York, on February 24, 1842, Charles H. Parkhurst was raised by Quaker parents who instilled in him a strong sense of social justice. At age 17, he began his journalistic career as a correspondent for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Over the years, he worked for several newspapers, including the Buffalo Express and The New York Tribune, where he gained recognition for his incisive editorials and investigative reporting. In 1869, Parkhurst became editor of the New York Evening Post, a position he held until 1872. In 1870, Parkhurst published "The Great Scandal of New York," an expose of corruption in New York City's municipal government and the Tweed Ring, a group of politicians who had defrauded the city out of millions of dollars. The book brought national attention to the issue, leading to the downfall of Tweed and his associates. Parkhurst is perhaps best known for his efforts in exposing the mistreatment of Native Americans at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. His 1879 series of articles, "The Slave Industries of Pennsylvania," detailed the harsh conditions at the school and led to an investigation by Congress. Throughout his life, Parkhurst was a tireless advocate for social reform, campaigning against child labor, poverty, and inequality. He died on March 17, 1933, leaving behind a legacy of journalism and activism that continues to inspire today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The right is more precious than peace."

This quote emphasizes the importance of upholding one's rights, even when it disrupts or challenges the peace in a given situation. It suggests that certain principles, such as freedom, justice, and equality, are so fundamental to human dignity that they must be defended at all costs, even if doing so leads to conflict or turmoil. The implication is that a society built on compromised rights is not truly peaceful, because it lacks the essential foundations of fairness, respect, and liberty necessary for genuine harmony among individuals. In other words, the quote conveys the idea that true peace can only be achieved when everyone's rights are respected and protected.


"A lie cannot live."

The quote "A lie cannot live" highlights that lies, unlike truth, lack sustenance and longevity in life, relationships, or any form of communication. In essence, this statement emphasizes that dishonesty cannot withstand scrutiny over time and will eventually be exposed, suggesting the inherent vulnerability and short-lived nature of falsehoods compared to honesty.


"Silence in the face of tyranny makes cowards out of men and nations."

This quote highlights the idea that staying silent when faced with oppressive power or unjust actions is a sign of weakness, not only for individuals but also for communities as a whole. It suggests that remaining passive in the face of tyranny allows for continued exploitation and injustice, ultimately turning those who stay silent into cowards. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of speaking out against tyranny to uphold principles of justice, courage, and integrity.


"Safety to the shameful and the wicked is the greatest of all abominations."

This quote by Charles Henry Parkhurst suggests a strong moral disapproval for injustice and immorality, where safety provided to those who act unethically or take advantage of others is viewed as a grave injustice or an abhorrent state of affairs. The quote emphasizes the importance of accountability and justice, rather than tolerating wrongdoing or shielding the guilty from consequences. It suggests that true safety lies in a society where everyone is held to ethical standards, not just the wicked or shameful.


"The first duty of a church is to preach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ."

This quote emphasizes that the primary responsibility of a church is to convey and uphold the truth about Jesus Christ. It suggests that the teachings and actions of a church should align with the teachings of Jesus, prioritizing authenticity over tradition or personal bias. In essence, it's a call for churches to be guided by truth as revealed in Jesus Christ.


Faith is a kind of winged intellect. The great workmen of history have been men who believed like giants.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Like, Been, Intellect, Winged

The safest words are always those which bring us most directly to facts.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Always, Most, Which, Directly

Character is the impulse reined down into steady continuance.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Character, Down, Continuance, Impulse

Faith is the heroism of the intellect.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Faith, Intellect, Heroism

All great discoveries are made by men whose feelings run ahead of their thinking.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Men, Ahead, Made, Discoveries

Sympathy is two hearts tugging at one load.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Sympathy, Two, Load, Hearts

Purpose is what gives life a meaning.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Life, Purpose, Meaning, Gives

Home interprets heaven. Home is heaven for beginners.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Home, Beginners, Heaven

Science has not solved problems, only shifted the points of problems.

- Charles Henry Parkhurst

Science, Only, Solved, Shifted

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