Cordell Hull Quotes

Powerful Cordell Hull for Daily Growth

About Cordell Hull

Cordell Hull (July 2, 1871 – July 23, 1955) was an influential American politician, lawyer, and diplomat, who served as the U.S. Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1944. Hull, a key architect of America's foreign policy during this era, played a significant role in shaping the post-World War II world. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Hull grew up in modest circumstances. After attending local schools, he graduated from Cumberland University (now Cumberland University) in 1890. He then attended Vanderbilt Law School, graduating in 1893, and soon after started his law practice in Nashville. In 1897, Hull began his political career when he was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Democrat. In 1906, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 1938. Hull's legislative initiatives included advocating for an income tax and for tariff reform to protect consumers from high prices on imported goods. In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Hull as the U.S. Secretary of State. During his tenure, Hull was a driving force behind several significant international agreements, including the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934, which aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic cooperation. His most notable achievement was his role in drafting and negotiating the United Nations Charter, which established the United Nations in 1945. In recognition of his contributions to world peace, Hull was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945. After leaving office, he returned to private life but remained active in civic affairs. Cordell Hull's legacy lies in his dedication to promoting international cooperation and his influential role in shaping post-World War II foreign policy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The United Nations Charter is a 'Magna Carta' for mankind."

This quote by Cordell Hull signifies that he viewed the United Nations Charter as a historic, foundational document, similar to the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is considered a cornerstone of freedom and rule of law for England and Western civilization as a whole. By equating the UN Charter to the Magna Carta, Hull emphasized that he believed the charter would serve as an essential framework for peace, justice, and human rights on a global scale. In essence, Hull was expressing his hope that the UN Charter would become a symbol of progress and freedom for all humanity.

"Peace and war are not alternatives but consequences."

Cordell Hull's quote suggests that peace and war are not mutually exclusive options, but rather outcomes based on our actions or inactions. In other words, the absence of conflict (peace) is not achieved by choosing war, but rather by addressing underlying issues before they escalate into violent conflicts. Peace is a result of diplomacy, cooperation, and resolving disputes peacefully, while war is often a consequence of failed attempts at dialogue and negotiation. The quote underscores the importance of investing in peaceful means to resolve differences, as war carries devastating consequences for all parties involved.

"We must lay aside all suspicion and distrust if we are to solve our problems together."

This quote by Cordell Hull emphasizes the importance of trust and mutual understanding in solving shared challenges or problems, particularly in a collaborative context such as international relations. Suspicion and mistrust can lead to conflict, hindering progress and cooperation. By setting aside such feelings, individuals and nations can work together effectively to find solutions that benefit everyone. This quote serves as a reminder that trust and mutual respect are crucial for successful collaboration and problem-solving.

"Let us make war on want and prevent it by the proper use of our resources."

This quote by Cordell Hull emphasizes the importance of addressing global poverty, or "want," through collective action and responsible resource management. The intention is to reduce poverty and its causes, such as lack of resources, by utilizing them effectively and equitably, rather than resorting to war as a means to resolve conflicts. It's a call for cooperation, development, and sustainable growth aimed at preventing the need for conflict in the future.

"It is in the interest of nations both great and small to live together in peace, to respect each other's rights, and to help each other with goodwill."

This quote emphasizes the importance of international harmony and cooperation. Cordell Hull suggests that all nations, regardless of size or power, should aim for peaceful coexistence. Respecting each other's rights reflects a fundamental understanding of sovereignty and mutual trust among countries. Moreover, helping each other with goodwill highlights the value of altruistic actions in global relations, fostering a spirit of solidarity and collaboration that benefits everyone involved.

Under the ominous shadow which the second World War and its attendant circumstances have cast on the world, peace has become as essential to civilized existence as the air we breathe is to life itself.

- Cordell Hull

Shadow, Circumstances, Which, Ominous

Triumphant science and technology are only at the threshold of man's command over sources of energy so stupendous that, if used for military purposes, they can wipe out our entire civilization.

- Cordell Hull

Civilization, Over, Sources, Triumphant

Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.

- Cordell Hull

Never, Alligator, Until, Crossed

There is no greater responsibility resting upon peoples and governments everywhere than to make sure that enduring peace will this time - at long last - be established and maintained.

- Cordell Hull

Resting, Sure, Established, Maintained

I fully realize that the new organization is a human rather than a perfect instrumentality for the attainment of its great objective. As time goes on it will, I am sure, be improved.

- Cordell Hull

New, Perfect, Sure, Attainment

That war has brought with it a truly incredible development of means of destruction and a terrifying prospect of rapid and almost limitless development in that direction.

- Cordell Hull

Terrifying, Means, Brought, Limitless

Fortunately, the war has brought with it not alone a stark realization of what another war would mean to the world, but as well the creation of an international agency through which the nations of the world can, if they so desire, make peace a living reality.

- Cordell Hull

Through, Which, Brought, Realization

Within a few weeks the organization for the maintenance of international peace and security, established by the San Francisco Charter, will be formally launched through the convocation of the first General Assembly of the United Nations.

- Cordell Hull

Through, Francisco, Weeks, Maintenance

Please let me assure you, however, that the keen disappointment and regret which I feel in this regard serve only to enhance my profound appreciation of the great honor which you have done me; and my sincere gratitude for your generous action.

- Cordell Hull

Regret, Honor, However, Assure

To be sure, no piece of social machinery, however well constructed, can be effective unless there is back of it a will and a determination to make it work.

- Cordell Hull

Social, Sure, However, Constructed

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