Richard Nixon

US President, Watergate

Modern influential 132 sayings

Sayings by Richard Nixon

The American dream belongs to all of us.

1971 — State of the Union Address
Controversial Unverifiable

We must recognize that we are not living in a static world. We are living in a changing world.

1971 — Remarks to the press
Controversial Unverifiable

The only thing that is constant in life is change.

1970s — Attributed to him, reflects a common philosophical sentiment.
Controversial Unverifiable

We have to remember that the main purpose of the military is to fight and win wars.

1971 — Remarks to military leaders
Controversial Unverifiable

The American people are a great people. They are a strong people. They are a good people.

1974 — Farewell remarks to White House staff
Controversial Unverifiable

Our nation has been through a long and difficult period. But we have come through it. We have come through it stronger than ever before.

1974 — State of the Union Address
Controversial Unverifiable

It is necessary to be strong, not to be loved.

1970s — Reported anecdote, reflects his political philosophy.
Controversial Unverifiable

We must never forget that the only way to deal with the problems of the world is to deal with them head-on.

1971 — Remarks to the press
Controversial Unverifiable

I can take the heat.

1973 — Press conference, referring to criticism
Controversial Unverifiable

I've always believed that you should work hard and play hard.

1970s — Reported anecdote, reflecting his work ethic.
Controversial Unverifiable

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

1970s — Attributed to him, though often paraphrased from Eleanor Roosevelt.
Controversial Unverifiable

We must never forget that the government is the servant of the people, not their master.

1971 — Speech to the nation
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic.

1990 — From his book, 'Leaders'
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not going to get involved in any more discussions of Watergate.

1977 — Interview after his resignation
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think a President should be a man who wants to be loved. I think a President should be a man who does what he believes is right and lets the chips fall where they may.

1977 — Interview with David Frost
Controversial Unverifiable

You know, it's a funny thing. Every one of the bastards that are out for legalizing marijuana is Jewish. What the Christ is the matter with the Jews, Bob?

1971 — Private conversation with aide H.R. Haldeman
Controversial Unverifiable

The Jews are all over the government.

1973 — Private Oval Office tape recording
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negro is just not ready to govern himself.

1968 — Private conversation with aide John Ehrlichman
Controversial Unverifiable

The Irish can't drink. What you have to do is to get them to piss. The Italians can drink, the Jews can drink, but the Irish can't drink.

1972 — Private conversation with aides
Controversial Unverifiable

The average American is just like the child in the family.

1971 — Private conversation with aides
Controversial Unverifiable