John Ensign Quotes

Powerful John Ensign for Daily Growth

About John Ensign

John Ensign (born August 14, 1952) is an American politician, writer, and former U.S. Senator from Nevada. His career in politics was preceded by a successful writing career, which has seen him produce notable works across various genres. Ensign was born in Salem, Oregon, but spent most of his childhood in California and Minnesota. He attended Wheaton College (Illinois) before moving on to Harvard University, where he earned a master's degree in theology. It was during this time that Ensign began writing, with his first book, "The Making of a Manager," published in 1982. In 1978, Ensign moved to Nevada to serve as a youth minister at Calvary Chapel. He would later become the senior pastor at South Las Vegas Bible Church. His experiences in these roles greatly influenced his writing, particularly in his religious-themed works. Ensign entered politics in 1998 when he was elected to the Nevada Assembly. In 2000, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and served until 2009 when he was appointed to fill the vacant Senate seat left by John Warner. As a Senator, Ensign was known for his conservative views, particularly on social issues. However, his tenure was marred by a scandal involving an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer, which led to his resignation in 2011. Post-politics, Ensign returned to writing. His works include "The Words of Jesus," "What If Everything You Knew About God Was Wrong?," and the popular novel series "High Crimes." Ensign continues to write and speak about faith, politics, and current events. His life and work reflect a unique blend of religious conviction, political activism, and literary talent.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart."

This quote by John Quincy Adams underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity or failure, particularly in the context of personal endeavors and challenges. It suggests that true courage lies not only in the ability to face danger or hardship, but also in maintaining hope and determination even when faced with defeat or setbacks. In other words, it's about staying strong, optimistic, and focused on one's goals and values, rather than being consumed by feelings of despair or defeat. By bearing defeat without losing heart, we demonstrate a deep inner strength and character that allows us to grow, learn, and ultimately bounce back stronger than before.


"True character is revealed in the choices a person makes under pressure. The greater the pressure, the more likely a person's true character will surface."

This quote by John Ensign emphasizes that a person's genuine character is best shown during challenging or stressful situations. It suggests that when faced with increased pressure, people tend to reveal their authentic selves - their values, beliefs, and moral compass become evident in the decisions they make. The implication is that true character is not just about acting admirably during easier times, but also maintaining integrity under duress or adversity.


"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

This quote emphasizes that leadership is not merely about holding a position of authority, but rather it involves nurturing, caring for, and looking after the people under one's leadership. A true leader prioritizes the well-being and growth of their team members over personal gain or dominance. In other words, effective leadership is selfless, compassionate, and empowering.


"A leader who doesn't hesitate before he sends the company's soldiers into battle is not a leader at all, but a gambler on the lives of his soldiers."

This quote emphasizes that a true leader values the lives of those they lead, understanding that sending them into battle is not a decision to be taken lightly or without careful consideration. A leader who acts rashly, without hesitation, is not demonstrating leadership qualities but rather gambling with the lives of their troops. A responsible leader respects the gravity of this responsibility and makes informed decisions that prioritize the safety and well-being of their followers.


"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."

This quote suggests that success is not a mystery or secret, but rather it's something earned through diligent effort, preparation, and experience. The road to success involves putting in hard work, continuously learning, and being willing to learn from failures along the way. Essentially, it emphasizes the importance of persistence and resilience in achieving one's goals.


The act of voting by ordinary Iraqis in the face of extreme danger confirms President Bush's belief that people around the globe, when given a chance, will choose liberty and democracy over enslavement and tyranny.

- John Ensign

Over, Given, Iraqis, Enslavement

Think about how much it costs to incarcerate someone. Do we want them just sitting in prison, lifting weights, becoming violent and thinking about the next crime? Or do we want them having a little purpose in life and learning a skill?

- John Ensign

Next, Becoming, Violent, Weights

Medical liability reform is not a Republican or Democrat issue or even a doctor versus lawyer issue. It is a patient issue.

- John Ensign

Medical, Doctor, Reform, Versus

Why can't DFW compete like San Francisco does with Oakland, like Miami does with Fort Lauderdale, and like Chicago O'Hare does with Midway?

- John Ensign

Compete, Francisco, San, Oakland

Seeking of the truth should be not only part of the Justice Department and part of our judicial system, but also should be... a goal of reporters today.

- John Ensign

Judicial System, Reporters, Department

The election in Iraq clearly demonstrates that Iraqi people are like people everywhere. They desire to create a future in an environment that is safe and allows them to reach their full potential as human beings, whatever that potential may be.

- John Ensign

Reach, Clearly, Iraqi, Iraqi People

Until we can fully grasp the extent of corruption and fraud involved in the administration of the Oil-for-Food program, and until the United Nations decides to cooperate in the investigation, no American taxpayer dollars should go to the United Nations.

- John Ensign

United Nations, Extent, Fully

Senator Kerry voted to undermine the troops in the field, and that is not only inexcusable, it is reprehensible.

- John Ensign

Field, Undermine, Senator, Reprehensible

I believe that voting is the first act of building a community as well as building a country.

- John Ensign

Country, Act, I Believe That, I Believe

For America's economic future to remain prosperous, we must encourage pro-growth policies so that we continue to be the leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

- John Ensign

Innovation, Leader, Remain, Entrepreneurship

If you double count some votes, that makes other votes disenfranchised.

- John Ensign

Double, Some, Other, Disenfranchised

In 1998 Harry Reid and I had a very close race. It was less than a tenth of a percentage point. We had a reasonable recount. There were a lot of things that I could have pursued at the time, but I just felt that at the time that I should have, you know, conceded the race.

- John Ensign

Reasonable, Very, Tenth, Reid

The more generous the benefit, the easier you make it to stay on unemployment insurance, and the less incentive there is for people to actually go out and do what it takes to get a job.

- John Ensign

Insurance, Go, More, Unemployment

I can honestly say that being a United States Senator has been the honor of my life.

- John Ensign

My Life, Been, United States, Senator

Human beings crave freedom at their core.

- John Ensign

Freedom, Human Beings, Core, Crave

Often times, the more power and prestige a person achieves, the more arrogant a person can become.

- John Ensign

More, Arrogant, Times, Achieves

The Appropriations Committee in the Senate is out of control, out of control on spending.

- John Ensign

Control, Committee, Spending, Senate

I loved being in the Senate. That was a wonderful experience.

- John Ensign

Loved, Wonderful, Senate

You know the bark is worse than the bite in D.C.

- John Ensign

Know, Bark, Than, Bite

If you find someone who agrees with you 80 percent of the time that is your friend not your enemy.

- John Ensign

Friend, Find, Someone, Agree

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