Robert Dale Owen Quotes

Powerful Robert Dale Owen for Daily Growth

About Robert Dale Owen

Robert Dale Owen (July 14, 1801 – October 16, 1877) was an American philosopher, reformer, and author, known for his contributions to social and political thought in the mid-19th century. Born in New Harmony, Indiana, to Robert Owen and Caroline Dale, Owen grew up in a unique environment where social experimentation and communal living were practiced. This upbringing significantly influenced his later life and works. Owen studied at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a law degree in 1824. However, he abandoned his legal career to pursue his passion for reform and philosophy. Influenced by his father's principles of socialism and utopianism, Owen became an ardent advocate for human rights, women's suffrage, and abolitionism. One of Owen's most notable works was "A New View of Society" (1849), in which he expounded his ideas on a cooperative commonwealth, where wealth would be shared among all members of society. Another significant work was "Morning Star: Or, The Future Prospect of the Human Race" (1832), a utopian novel that depicted an ideal society based on mutual cooperation and equal distribution of resources. In politics, Owen was a Liberal Republican and ran for U.S Senate in Indiana in 1854 but was defeated. Despite this setback, he continued to advocate for his ideas, serving as a member of the Indiana State Senate from 1856 to 1859. Owen's life and works reflect a deep commitment to social justice and equality, making him an influential figure in American thought during the mid-19th century. His ideas continue to resonate today, particularly in discussions about economic systems and social reform.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to create a menace to society."

This quote emphasizes that education should encompass both intellectual growth (mind) and moral development. By focusing solely on academics without instilling ethical values, we risk producing individuals who may pose threats to society due to their lack of understanding of right from wrong. A balanced education ensures that people become not only knowledgeable but also responsible, contributing members of society.


"The best way to prevent a war is to prepare for it."

The quote suggests that the most effective strategy for preventing a war is to be fully prepared for its potential outbreak. This implies readiness in terms of military, diplomatic, economic, and social preparations. By demonstrating strength and resolve, countries can deter potential aggressors and maintain peace. However, it's important to note that this shouldn't encourage an arms race or aggressive policies but instead emphasize diplomacy, mutual respect, and understanding among nations. The ultimate goal is to create a peaceful world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue rather than warfare.


"Laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know how they are made."

This quote by Robert Dale Owen suggests that the more we understand the intricate workings or behind-the-scenes processes of something (such as laws), the less mysterious and awe-inspiring it becomes. In this case, he implies that when people gain knowledge about how laws are created, they may lose respect for them because they realize they aren't perfect or absolute, but rather human-made with compromises and imperfections.


"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

The quote emphasizes that investing in the education, nurture, and well-being of children yields stronger, more resilient individuals who are less likely to need extensive repairs as adults. It suggests that it is more effective to build up strong foundations for young people rather than having to fix problems that arise from neglect or a lack of support in their formative years.


"To do good is the occasional merit of a man; to be one's self is his constant duty."

This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity over doing good for personal gain or recognition. It suggests that being true to oneself, consistently honoring one's character and values, is more important than occasionally performing acts of kindness. In essence, Owen encourages individuals to prioritize integrity above all else, as it forms the foundation for sustainable personal growth and contributes positively to society in a genuine way.


After voluntary exertions on the part of our people to which the history of the world furnishes no parallel, is the old root of bitterness still to remain in the ground, to sprout and bear fruit in the future as it has borne fruit in the past?

- Robert Dale Owen

Fruit, Part, The History Of, Bitterness

The dangers which threaten us are twofold: First, from the Confederate forces, composed of men whose earnest convictions and reckless bravery it is idle to deny.

- Robert Dale Owen

Which, Twofold, Deny, Confederate

If, amid the multitude of contending counsel, you have hesitated and doubted; if, when a great measure suggested itself, you have shrunk from the vast responsibility, afraid to go forward lest you should go wrong, what wonder?

- Robert Dale Owen

Counsel, Doubted, Multitude, Contending

It is within your power at this very moment not only to consumate an act of enlightened statesmanship, but, as the instrument of the Almighty, to restore to freedom a race of men.

- Robert Dale Owen

Race, Restore, Very, Statesmanship

Fulfill - you can far more than fulfill - the brightest anticipations of those who, in the name of human freedom, and in the face of threats that have ripened into terrible realities since, fought that battle which placed you where you now stand.

- Robert Dale Owen

Placed, Fulfill, Fought, Brightest

Men ever follow willingly a daring leader: most willingly of all, in great emergencies.

- Robert Dale Owen

Leader, Most, Ever, Willingly

Men acquiesce in a thousand things, once righteously and boldly done, to which, if proposed to them in advance, they might find endless objections.

- Robert Dale Owen

Might, Them, Which, Proposed

How few, since the foundation of the world, have found themselves in a position environed with public perils so numerous, oppressed with responsibilities so high and solemn, as yourself!

- Robert Dale Owen

Foundation, Numerous, Perils, Solemn

There is a measure needing courage to adopt and enforce it, which I believe to be of virtue sufficient to redeem the nation in this its darkest hour: one only; I know of no other to which we may rationally trust for relief from impending dangers without and within.

- Robert Dale Owen

Trust, Other, Dangers, Enforce

Of the unjust rights which in virtue of this ceremony an iniquitous law gives me over the person and property of another, I cannot legally, but I can morally, divest myself.

- Robert Dale Owen

Over, Unjust, Which, Ceremony

And I hereby distinctly and emphatically declare that I consider myself, and earnestly desire to be considered by others, as utterly divested, now and during the rest of my life, of any such rights, the barbarous relics of a feudal, despotic system.

- Robert Dale Owen

My Life, Declare, Considered, Earnestly

Boldness and decision command, often even in evil, the respect and concurrence of mankind.

- Robert Dale Owen

Decision, Mankind, Even, Boldness

It is idle to await unanimity.

- Robert Dale Owen

Idle, Await, Unanimity

Can you look forward to the future of our country and imagine any state of things in which, with slavery still existing, we should be assured of permanent peace? I cannot.

- Robert Dale Owen

Country, Still, Which, Assured

They feel assured, as to yourself, that if the option remain with you, it is but a question of time and of form when and how a proclamation of emancipation will be issued.

- Robert Dale Owen

Question, Will, Emancipation, Assured

In days when the public safety is imminently threatened, and the fate of a nation may hang upon a single act, we owe frank speech, above all other men, to him who is highest in authority. I shall speak to you as man to man.

- Robert Dale Owen

Other, Hang, Frank, Public Safety

Wisdom, prudence, forethought, these are essential. But not second to these that noble courage which adventures the right, and leaves the consequences to God.

- Robert Dale Owen

Courage, Right, Which, Forethought

It has always been a great wrong that these men and their families should be held in bondage.

- Robert Dale Owen

Always, Been, Held, Bondage

In the due exercise of your official power, in strictest accordance with law and the Constitution, you can deprive the enemy of that which, above all else, has given, and still gives him, aid and comfort.

- Robert Dale Owen

Still, Which, Given, Aid

The people are forbidden to give aid and comfort to rebels. What of a government that has the power to cut off from aid and comfort all the rebels of the South and fails to exercise it?

- Robert Dale Owen

Give, Cut, South, Aid

Property in man, always morally unjust, has become nationally dangerous.

- Robert Dale Owen

Property, Always, Unjust, Morally

Property that endangers the safety of a nation should not be suffered to remain in the hands of its citizens.

- Robert Dale Owen

Safety, Hands, Nation, Suffered

We can constitutionally extirpate slavery at this time.

- Robert Dale Owen

Time, Slavery

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