George William Norris Quotes

Powerful George William Norris for Daily Growth

About George William Norris

George William Curtis (Norris) was an influential American journalist, novelist, and politician who made significant contributions to both literature and politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on July 13, 1863, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, he was the fourth of five children born to William Norris and Mary Ann Fickes Norris. His father was a farmer, businessman, and politician who served as Nebraska's first Governor from 1867 to 1869. Norris's early years were marked by the harsh realities of frontier life, which provided him with a deep understanding of the struggles faced by common people. He began his career as a journalist in the 1880s, working for various Nebraska newspapers before moving to Omaha where he served as editor of the Omaha World-Herald from 1893 to 1926. His editorial columns were widely read and influential, advocating for progressive policies such as direct primary elections, woman suffrage, and reform of the banking system. In 1900, Norris entered politics as a U.S. Representative from Nebraska's 3rd district. He served in Congress until his death in 1944, becoming one of the most influential congressmen of his time. As a Progressive and later a Democrat, he was a vocal opponent of big business and corporate influence in politics, championing the rights of workers and farmers. Norris is best known for his works of fiction, particularly the "Great Plains Trilogy," consisting of "The Octopus" (1901), "The Puppet Crowd" (1903), and "The Wolf Hunt" (1922). These novels depict the struggle between small farmers and powerful corporations in the American West, reflecting Norris's lifelong commitment to social justice. His writing style was noted for its vivid imagery and compelling narrative, earning him a reputation as one of America's greatest novelists. George William Curtis Norris died on March 26, 1944, leaving behind a rich legacy in both literature and politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding."

This quote by George William Norris warns that the most significant threats to freedom often come subtly, not through overt tyranny or malicious intent, but from individuals who are passionate and well-intentioned yet lack a thorough understanding of the implications of their actions. Such people may inadvertently infringe on liberties in the name of progress, security, or idealism, ultimately undermining the very principles they sought to protect.

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

George William Norris' quote suggests that true patriotism is demonstrated through consistent, lifelong commitment rather than temporary displays of emotional enthusiasm. It emphasizes the importance of stability, perseverance, and long-term dedication to one's country as a genuine expression of love and loyalty.

"The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know."

This quote by George William Norris suggests that our perception of the world is shaped largely by what we do or don't know about its past. In essence, the novelty or freshness of any situation, idea, or event is often determined by one's personal knowledge of history. By expanding our historical awareness, we can bring a sense of "newness" to familiar things and foster greater understanding, empathy, and wisdom in our interactions with the world around us.

"If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's current situation (where we are) and direction (whither we are tending), as these key pieces of information can help guide us in making informed decisions about our actions and strategies (what to do, and how to do it). Essentially, it suggests that a clear sense of self-understanding is crucial for effective decision-making and progress.

"Fear is the enemy of the best that is in us."

This quote by George William Norris underscores the idea that fear can hinder our potential, as it's an obstacle to accessing our best qualities. Fear can cause us to hesitate, doubt, or retreat when we should be moving forward, innovating, or taking risks. Overcoming fear allows us to tap into courage, resilience, and the drive necessary for personal growth, meaningful relationships, and achieving our goals.

If the world is disarmed, and remains disarmed, there will be no more world wars.

- George William Norris

World, Will, World Wars, Disarmed

Teapot Dome involved the conservation of the oil resources of the United States, especially those situated upon the public lands.

- George William Norris

United, United States, Public Lands

And when it is done, we ought to follow the example by disarming ourselves.

- George William Norris

Follow, Done, Ourselves, Disarming

The constitution ought to specifically state that every nation is left entirely independent and supreme in its internal affairs, such as regulating emigration and all other similar matters.

- George William Norris

Other, Internal, Similar, Specifically

We ought to disarm Germany completely.

- George William Norris

Germany, Ought, Disarm

The reason given by the President in asking Congress to declare war against Germany is that the German government has declared certain war zones, within which, by the use of submarines, she sinks, without notice, American ships and destroys American lives.

- George William Norris

Reason, German, Declare, Ships

Fourth, we might have declared an embargo against the shipping from American ports of any merchandise to either one of these governments that persisted in maintaining its military zone.

- George William Norris

American, Against, Might, Maintaining

Third, we could, while denouncing them both as illegal, have acquiesced in them both and thus remained neutral with both sides, although not agreeing with either as to the righteousness of their respective orders.

- George William Norris

Both Sides, Could, Thus, Orders

First, we could have defied both of them and could have gone to war against both of these nations for this violation of international law and interference with our neutral rights.

- George William Norris

Law, Could, Defied, Interference

Great wealth took possession of the government. It was reflected in Mr. Harding's selection of a cabinet.

- George William Norris

Wealth, Government, Took, Cabinet

To my mind, what we ought to have maintained from the beginning was the strictest neutrality. If we had done this, I do not believe we would have been on the verge of war at the present time.

- George William Norris

Beginning, Mind, Been, Maintained

The first war zone was declared by Great Britain. She gave us and the world notice of it on the 4th day of November, 1914. The zone became effective Nov. 5, 1914.

- George William Norris

November, Became, Britain, Notice

No nation ought to keep a navy larger than is necessary to do police duty.

- George William Norris

Police, Necessary, Larger, Ought

I think we ought to take the world as it is and not as we would like to have it.

- George William Norris

Think, I Think, Take, Ought

In my judgment, if we had pursued this course, the zones would have been of short duration. England would have been compelled to take her mines out of the North Sea in order to get any supplies from our country.

- George William Norris

Country, Been, North, Duration

I am bitterly opposed to my country entering the war, but if, notwithstanding my opposition, we do enter it, all of my energy and all of my power will be behind our flag in carrying it on to victory.

- George William Norris

Behind, Country, Opposed, Carrying

During practically all of my public life, I have been a sincere advocate of an agreement between the leading nations of the world to set up all the necessary international machinery that would bring about a practical abolition of war between civilized nations.

- George William Norris

Been, Abolition, Civilized, Public Life

Men are often biased in their judgment on account of their sympathy and their interests.

- George William Norris

Men, Judgment, Biased, Account

There is not much danger of the smaller nations if the big nations will behave.

- George William Norris

Big, Will, Smaller, Behave

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