Lewis B. Hershey Quotes

Powerful Lewis B. Hershey for Daily Growth

About Lewis B. Hershey

Lewis Burke Hershey (February 19, 1896 – November 5, 1977) was a prominent American statistician, sociologist, and government official, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of population studies and military conscription during World War II and the Cold War era. Born in Honey Brook Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Hershey grew up on a farm before pursuing his education. He attended Millersville State Teachers College (now Millersville University), where he earned a B.S. in mathematics in 1917. In 1920, he received an M.A. in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and later completed a Ph.D. in sociology at Columbia University in 1924. Hershey's academic career began at the University of Chicago, where he focused on population studies. In 1935, he joined the U.S. Census Bureau as an assistant chief of the Population Division, a role that allowed him to apply statistical methods to census data. During World War II, Hershey was appointed Director of Selective Service, tasked with implementing and managing the military draft in the United States. His innovative use of randomization and probability theory revolutionized the drafting process, ensuring fairness and efficiency. This work earned him recognition as the "father of the modern military draft." Post-war, Hershey remained with the Selective Service System until his retirement in 1969, serving under five U.S. Presidents. He also continued to contribute to academia, publishing numerous articles and books on demographic studies, including "Population Growth and Control" (1958). Lewis B. Hershey's impact on the fields of statistics, sociology, and government policy is immeasurable. His innovative approaches to population analysis and military conscription continue to influence these disciplines today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."

This quote by Lewis B. Hershey emphasizes the importance of individual dedication to collective action in achieving success at any level, be it within a team, organization, society, or civilization. It suggests that for a group or system to function effectively and reach its goals, each member must contribute their personal effort, motivation, and commitment towards the common objective. In essence, the quote highlights the interplay between individual action and collective success.


"The individual is the most important element in any organization because all progress is initiated by an individual and since no organization selects or develops its members for creativity, each man's full potentialities must be developed if he is to function creatively within his organizational group."

This quote by Lewis B. Hershey emphasizes the central role of the individual in driving progress and innovation within any organization or system. It suggests that while organizations set the framework, they don't inherently develop or select individuals for creativity - these traits reside within each person. Therefore, to foster creative function within an organizational group, it is essential to nurture and maximize the potential of each individual member.


"A leader will not attract people by force but by the strength of his example."

This quote emphasizes that authentic leadership is not about wielding power or coercion, but rather it's about inspiring others through personal integrity, values, actions, and behavior. True leaders lead by example, demonstrating their principles and beliefs in a way that resonates with those they lead. Their influence comes from their character and the positive impact they make, motivating others to follow them willingly.


"The more you are committed to an idea, the more flexible you will be in executing it."

This quote by Lewis B. Hershey suggests that a strong commitment to an idea or goal fosters flexibility in its implementation. It implies that when one is deeply invested in achieving a certain outcome, they are less rigid in their approach and more open to adapting methods and strategies as circumstances demand. In other words, a firm belief in the end result encourages adaptability during the process of achieving it.


"Innovation is the product of a group effort and the individual's full potentiality for creativity must be developed if he is to function creatively within the organizational group."

This quote by Lewis B. Hershey emphasizes that innovation, which is the process of introducing new ideas or methods, results from collaborative efforts within a group. To foster innovation, it's essential to nurture each individual's creative potential, as they will be key contributors when working together in an organizational setting. In other words, cultivating creativity within individuals and promoting collaboration between them are both crucial for organizational innovation.


When we know as much about people as hog specialists know about hogs, we'll be better off.

- Lewis B. Hershey

Better, Hog, Hogs, Specialists

Between a fellow who is stupid and honest and one who is smart and crooked, I will take the first. I won't get much out of him, but with that other guy I can't keep what I've got.

- Lewis B. Hershey

Stupid, Will, Other, Crooked

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