George W. Romney Quotes

Powerful George W. Romney for Daily Growth

About George W. Romney

George W. Romney (1907-1995) was an influential American politician, businessman, and philanthropist who also penned a few notable books. Born on July 8, 1907, in Detroit, Michigan, he was the second of six children to Miles and Lula Romney. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker, both deeply religious Mormons. Romney attended business school at the University of Michigan before joining American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1937. He worked his way up through various positions, eventually becoming president of AMC in 1954. His tenure was marked by turning around the struggling company and rebranding it as a value-oriented automaker. In 1962, Romney left the business world to pursue politics, running for and winning the governorship of Michigan. He served two terms before being elected as the 43rd Governor of Utah in 1964. His political career reached its peak when he was nominated by the Republican Party for president in 1968 but lost to Richard Nixon in a close election. During and after his political career, Romney wrote several books, including "Turnaround!: Reflections on Twelve Years in Business and Politics" (1970), "Here in My Heart: An American Story" (1975), and "George Romney Speaks: A Contemporary Biography" (1986). These works reflect his pragmatic, problem-solving approach to leadership and his personal values. Throughout his life, Romney was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs, which he integrated into both his business and political decisions. His legacy is one of effective leadership, moral integrity, and a strong commitment to service. He passed away on July 26, 1995, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend."

This quote, attributed to George W. Romney, emphasizes the value of honest and constructive criticism or advice from friends. The "wounds" here symbolize truths that may initially seem painful but ultimately serve to guide, improve, and strengthen one's character. In essence, a true friend's words can be hurtful in the moment, yet they bring long-term benefits by helping us recognize our shortcomings, learn from mistakes, and grow wiser.


"Man's main job is to love God and serve his fellow man."

This quote by George W. Romney emphasizes a spiritual, human-centric worldview. The first part, "Man's main job is to love God," implies a strong faith and the importance of having a personal relationship with a higher power or divinity. The second part, "serve his fellow man," suggests a fundamental duty towards one's community and humanity at large. This could involve acts of kindness, empathy, helping others, or promoting peace and unity among people. The overall message is to prioritize love for God and compassion for others in life, thereby fostering a harmonious society and spiritual growth.


"We must have the courage to say no when the voice within us says 'no' – even though every other part of our nature may be crying out in protest."

This quote by George W. Romney emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-discipline. He suggests that it takes courage to heed one's inner voice, even when external circumstances or instinctive urges may push against that decision. In other words, it is about making choices that align with our deepest values, despite any opposition or discomfort, in order to stay true to ourselves and live a life of integrity.


"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

The quote by George W. Romney, "The best way to predict your future is to create it," emphasizes the importance of personal agency in shaping one's destiny. It suggests that instead of passively waiting for events to unfold, we should actively engage with our surroundings and choices to mold our own future according to our aspirations. This quote inspires proactivity, resilience, and self-determination as essential qualities for success and fulfillment in life.


"I believe that one of the greatest of all faults is to be conscious of none." (This quote is often attributed to Romney, but it was actually written by Thomas Carlyle)

This quote highlights the importance of self-awareness and introspection in life. Being unaware or indifferent to one's own faults can hinder personal growth and improvement. Acknowledging and addressing our flaws is essential for self-improvement, empathy towards others, and maintaining healthy relationships. Ignorance of one's shortcomings might lead to repeated mistakes and missed opportunities for progress. In essence, the quote encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions, grow from past experiences, and strive for self-improvement.


My wife has been my greatest earthly inspiration. She excels in eloquence, the poetry of words, empathy and graciousness.

- George W. Romney

Wife, Empathy, Been, Earthly

Extremism in defense of liberty is not a vice, but I denounce political extremism, of the left or the right, based on duplicity, falsehood, fear, violence and threats when they endanger liberty.

- George W. Romney

Extremism, Vice, Based, Falsehood

It is morally, politically and socially wrong for business as business or labor as labor to participate directly in politics.

- George W. Romney

Politics, Participate, Directly

Too often, young people who are just bursting with idealism either find themselves playing a game for which they have little heart or are hurling themselves into wasteful protests against the so-called Establishment.

- George W. Romney

Game, Young, Against, Bursting

Too often we shape our public positions on the basis of our economic connections. That brings us dangerously close to economic determinism.

- George W. Romney

Shape, Often, Positions, Economic

We need leadership that can elevate religion and morality to their position of paramount importance and thus eliminate growing selfishness, immorality and materialism.

- George W. Romney

Need, Importance, Thus, Selfishness

Our body is the temple of our spirit.

- George W. Romney

Body, Spirit, Our, Temple

The rights of some must not be enjoyed by denying the rights of others. Neither can we permit states' rights at the expense of human rights.

- George W. Romney

Some, Rights, Neither, Human Rights

Prayer is not a substitute for work. First we have to do all we can ourselves to understand a situation. Then when we ask for help, sometimes it is very evident, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes we may well be helped by not getting a decision.

- George W. Romney

Decision, May, Very, Evident

My religion is my most precious possession. Except for it, I could easily have become excessively occupied with industry. Sharing responsibility for church work has been a vital counterbalance in my life.

- George W. Romney

My Life, Precious, Been, Occupied

Dogmatic ideological parties tend to splinter the political and social fabric of a nation.

- George W. Romney

Tend, Ideological, Dogmatic, Social Fabric

Workers must participate in progress to enjoy their work and take pride in its product.

- George W. Romney

Product, Take, Participate, Workers

I would never sacrifice my individual beliefs as a citizen to my corporate responsibilities.

- George W. Romney

Never, Citizen, Would, Responsibilities

You can't be too right too soon and win elections.

- George W. Romney

Win, Right, Too, Elections

I'm concerned about truth and credibility in government.

- George W. Romney

Truth, Government, Concerned, Credibility

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