William Henry Danforth Quotes

Powerful William Henry Danforth for Daily Growth

About William Henry Danforth

William Henry Danforth (1890-1985) was an American journalist, philanthropist, and author who made significant contributions in journalism and education. Born on April 4, 1890, in St. Louis, Missouri, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in the Methodist Church and community service. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in journalism, Danforth embarked on his career at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the newspaper's editor by 1920. His tenure was marked by progressive ideas and a commitment to truth and integrity that set new standards for American journalism. In 1937, Danforth took a leave of absence from his editorial duties to serve as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War. This experience significantly influenced his perspective on life and service. After returning to St. Louis, he resigned from the Post-Dispatch in 1940 to pursue philanthropy and public service. Danforth's most influential work, "I Dare You: To Be a Christian," was published in 1944. In this book, he outlined his philosophy of service and personal growth rooted in Christian values. This work became a bestseller and influenced generations of readers. In 1945, Danforth founded Rider College (now called Mercer County Community College) in New Jersey, which was one of the first community colleges in the United States. He also served as a trustee for Washington University and Tulane University. Throughout his life, Danforth was deeply committed to service, philanthropy, and the promotion of Christian values. His works continue to inspire readers today and serve as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Do the common things uncommonly well."

This quote emphasizes the importance of excellence in everyday tasks, suggesting that even seemingly ordinary or mundane activities can be transformed into extraordinary feats through exceptional effort and dedication. The implication is that success lies not only in achieving greatness in extraordinary circumstances, but also in consistently striving for perfection in everyday life. By doing common things uncommonly well, one demonstrates a commitment to quality, discipline, and professionalism, which can lead to significant personal growth, respect from others, and ultimately, success in all aspects of life.


"It is not our place to determine why we suffer; it is our privilege to decide how we will respond."

This quote suggests that while suffering is an inevitable part of life, it's beyond our capacity to understand its root causes or purpose. Instead, the focus should be on how we choose to react or respond to these hardships. It emphasizes personal responsibility and resilience in the face of adversity, implying that despite the unknown reasons for our suffering, we have the power to control our reactions, learn from them, and grow stronger as a result.


"We must risk living authentically in order to become full human beings."

This quote emphasizes the importance of living honestly, genuinely, and authentically to fully realize our potential as humans. It suggests that hiding behind a facade or fearing risks can limit personal growth, self-discovery, and fulfillment. Authenticity encourages us to embrace vulnerabilities, express individuality, and seek truth in ourselves and others, thus leading to a more meaningful and authentic life.


"The future is built one day, one action at a time."

This quote emphasizes that building a successful future is not an immediate or overnight process, but rather a gradual and consistent effort made up of numerous small actions taken over time. It encourages the reader to focus on the present, recognizing that each day and each action contributes significantly to shaping the future they aspire to create. In essence, it's a call to take responsibility for our own growth and development, understanding that lasting change comes from consistent effort and daily commitment.


"Service is the rent that each of us pays for living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time."

This quote by William Henry Danforth emphasizes the essential role service plays in one's life. He suggests that service isn't an optional activity but a fundamental part of our existence, much like paying rent is for maintaining a residence. Service, therefore, serves as the purpose or reason for our lives, rather than something we engage in during our leisure time. It underscores the importance of giving back to our communities and making a positive impact on others' lives as a meaningful part of human existence.


Certainly, the emergence of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Taylor family has been one of the great things that has happened in St. Louis. We are no longer headquarters for McDonnell Douglas, although the McDonnell family is still very much involved in our community.

- William Henry Danforth

Been, Very, Enterprise, Emergence

We were raised in a family that had high aspirations for their children, and those high aspirations tended to be along the lines of service and high-minded beliefs, living up to your responsibilities. Both my Danforth grandparents admired service very much.

- William Henry Danforth

Grandparents, Very, Had, Aspirations

St. Louis has always been a great center for medicine. It has been a leader in the nation since the early part of the 20th century. Along with that, we've been a leader in medical science and biomedical science and innovation in medicine.

- William Henry Danforth

Innovation, Leader, Always, Louis

I think with the needs to feed the world's population, to end starvation, plant sciences offer great opportunities to do good and also to develop industry in St. Louis.

- William Henry Danforth

Think, Needs, St. Louis, Louis

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