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Stuart Symington Quotes

Powerful Stuart Symington for Daily Growth

About Stuart Symington

Stuart Symington (June 15, 1909 – April 8, 1988) was an influential American politician, lawyer, and author who served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania from 1949 to 1953 and as the U.S. Secretary of the Army during the Eisenhower administration from 1953 to 1957. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Symington attended Phillips Academy before studying at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. During World War II, he served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Forces and later became an assistant district attorney of New York County (1946-1947). Symington's political career began in 1948 when he was elected to the United States Senate as a Democrat, serving one term before resigning to accept President Eisenhower's appointment as Secretary of the Army. After leaving office in 1957, Symington returned to private life and engaged in various business ventures. In the late 1960s, Symington re-entered public service and ran for Governor of Missouri, eventually winning election in 1964 and serving two terms. During his tenure as governor, he focused on education reform, highway development, and economic growth. Later, Symington made a brief return to national politics when he sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 but withdrew from the race before the primaries began. Throughout his political career, he was known for his strong leadership, diplomacy, and eloquent oratory skills. Symington was also an accomplished author, writing several books on political and military topics. His most notable works include "The Hidden Arsenal" (1957), a critique of the U.S. defense system, and "Stuart Symington's Guide to the U.S. Constitution" (1982). Symington passed away in 1988, leaving behind a significant legacy as an influential political figure, author, and advocate for education, military reform, and economic development. His contributions continue to shape American politics and policy-making.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"To every man there comes in his lifetime a special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talent; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be the making of him."

This quote by Stuart Symington emphasizes the importance of being ready and qualified for life's significant opportunities, often referred to as "moments of destiny." These moments can present us with a chance to achieve something extraordinary that aligns with our talents and potential. Neglecting these chances out of unpreparedness or lack of readiness could lead to a sense of loss, regret, or unfulfilled potential. In essence, the quote is a call to always be prepared for life's unique challenges and opportunities, as they can transform us into the best versions of ourselves when embraced.

"We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be."

The quote emphasizes that individuals have an innate wisdom within themselves, which they should trust and heed for guidance, rather than relying solely on external sources. It suggests self-awareness and introspection as key factors in personal decision-making and growth, promoting the idea of self-reliance and empowerment.

"I think the danger lies not so much in men as in systems; men grow tired and die, but a bad system will live forever."

This quote by Stuart Symington emphasizes the potential long-lasting harm of flawed or oppressive systems, contrasting their permanence with the transience of individuals. He suggests that while people age, make mistakes, and eventually pass away, an unjust or ineffective system can persist indefinitely, causing ongoing problems for generations to come. It underscores the importance of critically examining and improving our social, political, and economic structures to ensure they serve the well-being of all individuals.

"The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be."

This quote by Stuart Symington suggests that the unpredictability and rapid change of modern times make it difficult to accurately predict or plan for the future, as opposed to previous eras when the trajectory of events was more linear and predictable. The increasing complexity, globalization, technological advancements, and political instability have made the future less certain and more dynamic, necessitating a greater emphasis on adaptability, flexibility, and resilience in our decision-making processes.

"It's never too late to learn something new or to change the course of your life."

This quote by Stuart Symington underscores the power of lifelong learning and personal transformation, regardless of one's age or current circumstances. It encourages individuals to embrace opportunities for growth and change, emphasizing that it is never too late to better oneself or alter the trajectory of one's life. By remaining open to new experiences and knowledge, we can continue to evolve and achieve our full potential.

But the Air Force was sort of a bastard child of the Army, much like the Marines with the Navy. Everything had to be done over by the Army after it had already been done by the Air Corps, a mess.

- Stuart Symington

Over, Like, Been, Marines

Sure, you would lose more bombers without fighters, but, flying in formation, you could get the job done.

- Stuart Symington

More, Could, Sure, Fighters

FDR had been Assistant Secretary of the Navy. They told me, now forgotten, just how many pictures of ships they took out of the White House after he died. But he could choose good men.

- Stuart Symington

Navy, Been, Had, Ships

Hardly had I left when we ran into the Korean war, doubled what I had asked for and doubled it again. I had told him I would stay in Government, be honored to, but not with the Air Force.

- Stuart Symington

War, Again, Had, Hardly

My father-in-law was once Chairman of Military Affairs in the Senate, the latter part of the Wilson Administrations. He knew a lot about and was fond of the Army.

- Stuart Symington

Knew, Father-In-Law, Part, Affairs

I believe the military should be wary of diplomacy until war is declared; then the State Department should keep its nose out and let the military do whatever is necessary to win.

- Stuart Symington

Nose, Necessary, Wary, Department

Later the Administration wanted me to actually sell all remaining surplus by running the War Assets Corporation. I said I couldn't do it without some shoe leather.

- Stuart Symington

Some, Sell, Surplus, Shoe

Mr. Truman studiously avoided giving power to his White House staff that has been characteristic of recent administrations. Staff people in the White House, with no responsibility but incredible authority is one of the reasons we're now in so much trouble.

- Stuart Symington

Giving, Been, Reasons, Recent

The British were keen for 30 caliber guns, did not believe in daylight bombing. American experts said 30 caliber was not enough; we had to have 50 caliber, also said daylight bombing was right provided the planes attacked in formation, with 50 caliber guns.

- Stuart Symington

Guns, Caliber, Provided, Experts

Well over fifty years ago I was making radio loudspeakers and radio sets in Rochester, New York; pretty young and inexperienced; but we survived the depression.

- Stuart Symington

New, Over, Making, Survived

In those days secrets were well kept.

- Stuart Symington

Days, Well, Were, Secrets

If civilians are going to be killed, I would rather have them be their civilians than our civilians.

- Stuart Symington

Going, Rather, Would, Civilians

It all went back to problems we had talked about before, you know, such as the British not believing in formation bombing and not believing in daytime bombing.

- Stuart Symington

Back, Before, About, Daytime

I had learned many years ago in private business never to take responsibility without adequate authority; and the new Secretary of Defense, as budgets were sharply cut, quickly found that out.

- Stuart Symington

Private, Cut, Adequate, Budgets

In real danger sometimes even a democracy can really keep a secret.

- Stuart Symington

Sometimes, Keep, Even, Danger

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