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W. Averell Harriman Quotes

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About W. Averell Harriman

W. Averell Harriman, born on November 15, 1891, in Washington D.C., was a prominent American diplomat, businessman, and politician who left an indelible mark on the 20th century's political landscape. The grandson of railroad tycoon Edward Henry Harriman, he grew up amidst wealth and privilege but developed a strong social consciousness and commitment to public service. Harriman graduated from Yale University in 1913 and served as an infantry officer during World War I. Post-war, he entered the family business, developing railroads and shipping lines. However, his true calling was in politics and diplomacy. He served as a U.S. Senator for New York (1945–1947) before embarking on an extraordinary career as a diplomat under four presidential administrations. Harriman's diplomatic career began during World War II, where he played a crucial role in opening the second front against Germany by negotiating the opening of a second front with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin at the Tehran Conference in 1943. He also served as the U.S. ambassador to the USSR (1943–1946) and was instrumental in shaping post-war Europe, notably through his efforts in the establishment of the Marshall Plan. Later, Harriman served as Secretary of Commerce under President Truman (1946–1948), U.S. ambassador to Britain (1946, 1961–1968), and Special Presidential Envoy during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962). He also played a significant role in the post-Stalin era of Soviet politics. Despite his political successes, Harriman remained a private figure, shunning the limelight. He passed away on July 26, 1986, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of America's most distinguished diplomats and public servants. His quotes reflect his wisdom, pragmatism, and unwavering commitment to peace and democracy: "The greatest asset you have is your character. Never compromise it."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The United Nations was not created to take mankind into heaven, but to save humanity from hell."

This quote by W. Averell Harriman underscores the purpose of the United Nations (UN): to prevent global conflict and promote peace among nations, thus saving humanity from the horrors of war and chaos that characterize "hell" on earth. The UN serves as a platform for cooperation and diplomacy among nations, offering an alternative to the destructive conflicts that have marred human history. It is a testament to mankind's shared responsibility to work together in pursuit of a more peaceful and stable world.

"I have always believed that America is truly great when it leads by example rather than by the exertion of raw power."

This quote emphasizes the importance of leadership through influence, rather than force. It suggests that true greatness for America lies in setting an exemplary standard, inspiring others to follow suit through emulation, instead of coercing them with displays of power. This approach fosters respect, trust, and collaboration among nations, ultimately leading to a more peaceful, harmonious, and progressive world.

"Politics is a slow boring business for the most part, but the rewards are real and lasting."

This quote by W. Averell Harriman emphasizes that politics may be tedious and time-consuming, involving lengthy negotiations and deliberations, but the outcomes of political actions can bring about enduring change and impact. In other words, even though the process of politics is often slow and dull, the results can have significant, lasting effects on society.

"I've learned that you can't change the world in one fell swoop, but you can make a difference in small, concrete ways."

This quote by W. Averell Harriman emphasizes the importance of incremental progress over time, rather than expecting an immediate and significant transformation of the world. The idea is that even small, deliberate actions can cumulatively make a substantial difference when consistently applied. It encourages individuals to not be discouraged by the magnitude of global issues but to focus on what they can do, however small, to contribute positively to change.

"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone have your way by making them think it was their idea."

This quote by W. Averell Harriman highlights that effective diplomacy often involves influencing others to adopt our views or desires, while giving the impression that the solution originated from their own ideas. In other words, it's about using tact, persuasion, and strategic communication to achieve one's goals without resorting to force or coercion, ultimately maintaining good relationships in the process.

Conferences at the top level are always courteous. Name-calling is left to the foreign ministers.

- W. Averell Harriman

Top, Always, Level, Foreign

We were talking about really getting Europe on its feet. It was our hope that there would be a breakdown of trade barriers in Europe first, and then eventually a breakdown internationally, which would help increase trade with Europe.

- W. Averell Harriman

Feet, About, Which, Breakdown

This was the period when I used all the influence I had to get the British to abandon their export trade, and as much as possible convert all of their manufacturing facilities to the immediate needs of the war, including civilian, as well as military requirements.

- W. Averell Harriman

Used, British, Had, Convert

Roosevelt was the one who had the vision to change our policy from isolationism to world leadership. That was a terrific revolution. Our country's never been the same since.

- W. Averell Harriman

Change, Country, Been, Isolationism

The Russians obtained a number of plants under Lend-Lease, which had been authorized by Washington, that I thought were not justified for their war effort. They wanted them for postwar use.

- W. Averell Harriman

Been, Which, Russians, Postwar

The biggest trade that Germany and Britain had was with each other, in the prewar period; I think I'm right in that. Two highly industrialized nations had the most trade with each other, and it wasn't tariff policies alone that made trade relations better for both of them.

- W. Averell Harriman

Other, I Think, Britain, Industrialized

Actually I'd had a certain amount of experience in Europe in the inter-war period, as a banker, and I was also a member of the Board of Directors of the International Chamber of Commerce.

- W. Averell Harriman

Directors, Amount, Period, Banker

We became convinced that, regardless of Stalin's awful brutality and his reign of terror, he was a great war leader. Without Stalin, they never would have held.

- W. Averell Harriman

Leader, Became, Terror, Great War

It never occurred to me that we would have as grandiose a program as the Marshall Plan, but I felt that we had to do something to save Europe from economic disaster which would encourage the Communist takeover.

- W. Averell Harriman

Communist, Which, Occurred, Grandiose

We both agreed that Stalin was determined to hold out against the Germans. He told us he'd never let them get to Moscow. But if he was wrong, they'd go back to the Urals and fight. They'd never surrender.

- W. Averell Harriman

Go, Against, Never Surrender, Surrender

The war changed everybody's attitude. We became international almost overnight.

- W. Averell Harriman

Overnight, Everybody, Became, International

I think there are telegrams that may or may not be available, which indicated that I very much had in mind the need to give Europe substantial aid after the war, after Lend-Lease was over.

- W. Averell Harriman

Think, Over, Which, Telegram

As far as the Russians were concerned, I felt the reverse; they had adequate gold, if they wanted to buy, and they weren't dependent upon international trade. I felt they were more self-sufficient.

- W. Averell Harriman

Self-Sufficient, Russians, Dependent

It was fear. He didn't want to see a united Germany. Stalin made it clear to me - I spoke with him many times - that they couldn't afford to let Germany build up again. They'd been invaded twice, and he wasn't willing to have it happen again.

- W. Averell Harriman

United, Been, Spoke, Stalin

There's a myth that Roosevelt gave Stalin Eastern Europe. I was with Roosevelt every day at Yalta.

- W. Averell Harriman

Eastern, Eastern Europe, Stalin

Roosevelt was determined to stop Stalin from taking over Eastern Europe. He thought they finally had an agreement on Poland. Before Roosevelt died, he realized that Stalin had broken his agreement.

- W. Averell Harriman

Broken, Over, Eastern, Stalin

I think Stalin was afraid of Roosevelt. Whenever Roosevelt spoke, he sort of watched him with a certain awe. He was afraid of Roosevelt's influence in the world.

- W. Averell Harriman

Think, Spoke, I Think, Stalin

Poland, of course, was the key country. I remember Stalin telling me that the plains of Poland were the invasion route of Europe to Russia and always had been, and therefore he had to control Poland.

- W. Averell Harriman

Country, Always, Telling, Stalin

How could you justify giving Holland twice the amount of money that you gave Belgium? Well, finally, I put it up to them. They said that they couldn't do it; it would destroy them. I said they had to do it. And I finally got support from Hoffman on it.

- W. Averell Harriman

Giving, Got, Had, Justify

I was quite ready to accept certain restrictions on the United States. After all, there was a great dollar shortage. It was quite clear that the more prosperous Europe became, the more business there would be in the United States.

- W. Averell Harriman

United States, Became, Shortage

Yet the whole preamble of the second authorization act for the Marshall Plan showed the direction Congress was ready to take about breaking down barriers within Europe.

- W. Averell Harriman

Congress, Within, Marshall, Preamble

Much of the aid we first gave to Russia we took away from what we promised Britain. So in a sense, Britain participated in a very real way in the recovery of Russia.

- W. Averell Harriman

Away, Very, Took, Promised

The Russians often took advantage of Lend-Lease.

- W. Averell Harriman

Often, Took, Advantage, Russians

Americans wanted to settle all our difficulties with Russia and then go to the movies and drink Coke.

- W. Averell Harriman

Movies, Difficulties, Wanted, Russia

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