Harry S. Truman was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He led the country through some of its most tumultuous times, including the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Truman was known for his straightforward and honest approach to politics, as well as his wit and wisdom. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of his most memorable quotes, which offer insights into his character, his leadership style, and his philosophy on life.
Read Also: 40+ Lyndon B. Johnson Quotes
Harry S. Truman Quotes
- “The buck stops here.”
- “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
- “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
- “I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.”
- “The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know everything else.”
- “I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.”
- “A leader, in the truest sense, is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
- “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
- “I’m not giving him hell. I’m just telling him the truth and he thinks it’s hell.”
- “Actions are the seed of fate deeds grow into destiny.”
- “The United Nations is designed to make possible lasting freedom and independence for all its members.”
- “We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.”
- “My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference.”
- “We must have strong minds, ready to accept facts as they are.”
- “In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.”
- “I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell.”
- “The best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.”
- “I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.”
- “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.”
- “The reward of suffering is experience.”
- “Mankind will never win lasting peace so long as men use their full resources only in tasks of war. While we are yet at peace, let us mobilize the potentialities, particularly the moral and spiritual potentialities, which we usually reserve for war.”
- “Ignorance breeds fear and fear breeds war.”
- “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know.”
- “The White House is the finest prison in the world.”
- “You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.”
- “The best morale exist when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy.”
- “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.”
- “A President needs political understanding to run the government, but he may be elected without it.”
- “Intense feeling too often obscures the truth.”
- “I believe that a president needs to know what’s going on around him.”
Harry S. Truman Quotes for Professional Growth
- “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
- “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
- “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
- “In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.”
- “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
- “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
- “You can’t get rich in politics unless you’re a crook.”
- “A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.”
- “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours.”
- “The buck stops here.”
- “Actions are the seed of fate. Deeds grow into destiny.”
- “It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow’s viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.”
- “I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.”
- “Once a decision is made, the decision is made. There is no sense in revisiting it every day or every week. Decide what you are going to do and then do it.”
- “I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.”
- “You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog.”
- “The reward of suffering is experience.”
- “The United Nations was created not to lead mankind to heaven but to prevent mankind from going to hell.”
- “Carry the battle to them. Don’t let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don’t ever apologize for anything.”
- “The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harry S. Truman was a man of many talents and insights. As the 33rd president of the United States, he led the country through some of its most challenging moments and left a lasting legacy of leadership and integrity. His quotes on a variety of topics, from politics and war to leadership and personal growth, continue to inspire people today. Whether you are looking for guidance in your personal or professional life, Truman’s words offer valuable lessons and perspectives that can help you navigate the complexities of the world around you. By taking his words to heart and applying them to your own life, you can become a better leader, a more compassionate person, and a stronger member of your community.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Harry S. Truman and his quotes:
Q: Who was Harry S. Truman?
A: Harry S. Truman was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. Prior to his presidency, he was a senator and a vice president under Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Q: What was Truman’s leadership style?
A: Truman was known for his no-nonsense, plain-spoken approach to leadership. He valued honesty and integrity, and was not afraid to make tough decisions.
Q: What topics did Truman’s quotes cover?
A: Truman’s quotes covered a wide range of topics, including leadership, politics, war, personal growth, and more.
Q: Are Truman’s quotes still relevant today?
A: Yes, many of Truman’s quotes are still relevant today and offer valuable insights on a variety of topics.
Q: Can Truman’s quotes be used in a professional setting?
A: Yes, many of Truman’s quotes are suitable for use in a professional setting and can offer guidance and inspiration for leaders and employees alike.
Q: Where can I find more of Truman’s quotes?
A: Truman’s quotes can be found in a variety of sources, including his speeches, books, and interviews. They are also widely available online.
