We live an age of science and of abounding accumulation of material things. These did not create the Declaration. Our Declaration created them. ... If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it.
Calvin CoolidgeIf we judge ourselves only by our aspirations and everyone else only their conduct we shall soon reach a very false conclusion.
Calvin CoolidgeThe centralization of power in Washington, which nearly all members of Congress deplore in their speech and then support by their votes, steadily increases.
Calvin CoolidgeWe have found that when men and women are left free to find the places for which they are best fitted, some few of them will indeed attain less exalted stations than under a regime of privilege; but the vast multitude will rise to a higher level, to wider horizons, to worthier attainments.
Calvin CoolidgeGovernment price-fixing once started, has alike no justice and no end. It is an economic folly from which this country has every right to be spared.
Calvin CoolidgeThe slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
Calvin CoolidgeThe people cannot look to legislation generally for success. Industry, thrift, character, are not conferred by act or resolve. Government cannot relieve from toil. It can provide no substitute for the rewards of service. It can, of course, care for the defective and recognize distinguished merit. The normal must care for themselves. Self-government means self-support.
Calvin CoolidgeThe only way I know to drive out evil from the country is by the constructive method of filling it with good.
Calvin CoolidgeMen speak of natural rights, but I challenge any one to show where in nature any rights existed or were recognized until there was established for their declaration and protection a duly promulgated body of corresponding laws.
Calvin CoolidgeWherever despotism abounds, the sources of public information are the first to be brought under its control.
Calvin CoolidgeWhat we need in appointive positions is men of knowledge and experience who have sufficient character to resist temptations.
Calvin CoolidgeDon't hesitate to be as revolutionary as science. Don't hesitate to be as reactionary as the multiplication table.
Calvin CoolidgeNothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Calvin CoolidgeJuly 4, 1776 was the historic day on which the representatives of three millions of people vocalized Concord, and Lexington, and Bunker Hill, which gave notice to the world that they proposed to establish an independent nation on the theory that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Calvin CoolidgeThere are always those who are willing to surrender local self-government and turn over their affairs to some national authority in exchange for a payment of money out of the Federal Treasury. Whenever they find some abuse needs correction in their neighborhood, instead of applying the remedy themselves they seek to have a tribunal sent on from Washington to discharge their duties for them, regardless of the fact that in accepting such supervision they are bartering away their freedom.
Calvin CoolidgeAmerican ideals do not require to be changed so much as they require to be understood and applied.
Calvin CoolidgeOur government rests upon religion. It is from that source that we derive our reverance for truth and justice, for equality and liberty, and for the rights of mankind. Unless the people believe in these principles they cannot believe in our government.
Calvin CoolidgeI am for economy. After that I am for more economy. At this time and under present conditions that is my conception of serving all the people.
Calvin CoolidgeIt is difficult for men in high office to avoid the malady of self-delusion. They are always surrounded by worshipers. They are constantly, and for the most part sincerely, assured of their greatness.
Calvin CoolidgeWe cannot permit any inquisition either within or without the law or apply any religious test to the holding of office. The mind of America must be forever free.
Calvin CoolidgeThe measure discriminates definitely against products which make up what has been universally considered a program of safe farming. The bill upholds as ideals of American farming the men who grow cotton, corn, rice, swine, tobacco, or wheat and nothing else. These are to be given special favors at the expense of the farmer who has toiled for years to build up a constructive farming enterprise to include a variety of crops and livestock.
Calvin CoolidgeWhether one traces his Americanism back three centuries to the Mayflower, or three years to the steerage, is not half so important as whether his Americanism of today is real and genuine. No matter by what various crafts we came here, we are all now in the same boat.
Calvin CoolidgeWhile I do not think it was so intended I have always been of the opinion that this turned out to be much the best for me. I had no national experience. What I have ever been able to do has been the result of first learning how to do it. I am not gifted with intuition. I need not only hard work but experience to be ready to solve problems. The Presidents who have gone to Washington without first having held some national office have been at great disadvantage.
Calvin CoolidgeFour-fifths of all our troubles would disappear, if we would only sit down and keep still.
Calvin CoolidgeAll growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.
Calvin CoolidgeWhile legislation can stimulate and encourage, the real creative ability which builds up and develops the country, and in general makes human existence more tolerable and life more complete, has to be supplied by the genius of the people themselves. The Government can supply no substitute for enterprise.
Calvin CoolidgeUnless we lay our course in accordance with this principle, the great power for good in the world with which we have been intrusted by a Divine Providence will be turned to a power for evil.
Calvin CoolidgeTo expect to increase prices and then to maintain them at a higher level by means of a plan which must of necessity increase production while decreasing consumption is to fly in the face of an economic law as well established as any law of nature.
Calvin CoolidgeNothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
Calvin CoolidgeThe collection of taxes which are not absolutely required, which do not beyond reasonable doubt contribute to public welfare, is only a species of legalized larceny. Under this Republic the rewards of industry belong to those who earn them.
Calvin CoolidgeOne of the first lessons a president has to learn is that every word he says weighs a ton.
Calvin Coolidge