A former priest in my parish recited the names of the US Presidents backward as a brain exercise. Impressive.
A friend tried, with no luck, to teach me to list the 45 men in order.
I met an artist, John F. Thamm, who painted and exhibited all the presidents in art galleries.
According to Google, over a trillion books have been written about these monumental characters.
We have felt frustration and gained much wisdom from these men. On the day of this writing, President’s Day, I’m sharing some random presidential quotes that lift and offer hope or humor.
“Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who make excuses.” —George Washington (#1/Federalist)
“On matters of style, swim with the current; on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” ―Thomas Jefferson (#3/Democratic Republican)
“It’s easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.” ― Martin Van Buren (#8/Democrat)
“I leave you hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.” —Abraham Lincoln (#16/Republican)
“The truth will set you free, but first, it will make you miserable.” ―James Garfield #20/Republican
“If you treat people right, they will treat you right… ninety percent of the time.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt (#32/Democrat)
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” —Harry S. Truman (#33/Democrat)
“Never waste a minute thinking about people you don’t like.” ― Dwight D. Eisenhower (#34/Republican)
“Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time.” — Gerald R. Ford (#38/Republican)
“We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.” —Jimmy Carter #39/Democrat
“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.” ― Ronald Reagan (#40/Republican)
“Our future cannot depend on the government alone. The ultimate solutions lie in the attitudes and the actions of the American people.” —Joe Biden (#46/Democrat)
Closing with a bit of presidential trivia:
Abraham Lincoln (#16/Republican ) is the most written-about person in history, right after Jesus
Theodore Roosevelt authored the most books—35. (#26/Republican)
John Adams (#2/Federalist), Thomas Jefferson (#3 Democratic-Republican), and James Monroe (#5 Democratic-Republican) each died on the Fourth of July
Ulysses S. Grant (#18/Republican) signed the Yellowstone National Protection Act into law, creating the first national park
Four presidents have been assassinated: Abraham Lincoln (#16/Republican), James Garfield (#20/Republican), William McKinley (#25/Republican), and John F. Kennedy (#35/Democrat)
Grover Cleveland (#22 & #24/Democrat) is the only president to have served two non-consecutive terms.
Remember, learning improves our mental health.
Until the next time: Live while you live.
Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.
Powered by WPeMatico