"There is no rule, there is nothing but hurry-scurry."
This quote by William Howard Taft suggests that in the modern world, there's a general lack of structure or clear rules to follow, replaced instead by a frantic, hectic pace. It implies that people are often too busy rushing from one thing to another without taking time for thoughtful action or reflection. The quote serves as a reminder about the importance of slowing down and considering our actions carefully amidst the chaos of everyday life.
"I am not influenced by anything personal, but I do believe that public men should be expected to have friends, and I have many."
This quote by William Howard Taft highlights two key aspects of his perspective on leadership and relationships. Firstly, he acknowledges that as a public figure, it is expected and normal for him to have personal connections, or "friends", due to his position. Secondly, he emphasizes that these friendships do not influence his decisions, implying a commitment to impartiality and integrity in his work. Essentially, Taft suggests that having friends does not compromise one's ability to serve the public with integrity, and it is important for public figures to maintain relationships while upholding their duty to the public good.
"A president is selected, not elected."
The quote by William Howard Taft, "A president is selected, not elected," suggests that he believed the office of the U.S. President isn't merely a position chosen through popular vote, but rather a role where the individual is carefully chosen or appointed to lead the country. This perspective could be seen as implying that the process of electing a president involves more than just votes, such as party politics, endorsements, and other influential factors. However, it's important to note that Taft was speaking from his own political context during the early 20th century and that the modern election process has evolved significantly since then, with a strong emphasis on democratic values and direct voter participation.
"It is not the function of our government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is to keep the citizen from being injured by his own actions."
This quote suggests that the role of the government should be limited to protecting individuals from harm caused by their own mistakes, rather than restricting or controlling their personal choices and decisions. In essence, the government's responsibility is to establish a safe framework for citizens to exercise their rights and make choices, without infringing on their freedom or personal autonomy.
"Everybody runs away from everything here but me." (often paraphrased as "I am the only man in Washington who isn't a crook.")
This quote, often paraphrased as mentioned, suggests that William Howard Taft felt he was the one person of integrity amidst the perceived corruption in Washington D.C., the political capital of the United States. By saying "everybody runs away from everything here but me," he may have been expressing his disillusionment with the ethical standards he encountered during his tenure, implying that others around him were involved in some form of dishonest or unethical behavior. Essentially, Taft was positioning himself as an honest man in a sea of corruption.
The day is not far distant when three Stars and Stripes at three equidistant points will mark our territory: one at the North Pole, another at the Panama Canal, and the third at the South Pole. The whole hemisphere will be ours in fact as, by virtue of our superiority of race, it already is ours morally.
- William Howard Taft
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