Woodrow Wilson

US President, League of Nations

Modern influential 128 sayings

Sayings by Woodrow Wilson

I have long held the conviction that the white race is the only race that has ever shown itself capable of self-government.

1902 — A History of the American People, Vol. V
Controversial Unverifiable

The only thing that can redeem the world is the spirit of America.

1919 — Speech in Pueblo, Colorado
Controversial Unverifiable

The American people are not a warlike people, but they are a people who will fight for their rights.

1916 — Speech in St. Louis, Missouri
Controversial Unverifiable

If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.

Unknown — General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

A conservative is a man who sits and thinks, mostly sits.

Unknown — General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

I used to be a lawyer, but now I am a reformed character.

Unknown — General statement
Humorous Unverifiable

If you want to make enemies, try to change something. To do things to-day exactly the way you did them yesterday saves thinking. It does not cost you anything. You have acquired the habit; you know the routine; you do not have to plan anything, and it frightens you with a hint of exertion to learn that you will have to do it a different way to-morrow.

Unknown — Speech/Writing on change and habit
Humorous Unverifiable

Nothing was ever done so systematically as nothing is being done now.

Unknown — General statement on politics/action
Humorous Unverifiable

I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool, the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking.

Unknown — General statement on freedom of speech
Humorous Unverifiable

The white men were roused by a mere instinct of self-preservation.

1902 — Defending the Ku Klux Klan in his book
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negro is an inferior race.

1912 — Private conversation
Controversial Unverifiable

The Klan was a necessary response to black criminality.

1902 — Defending the Ku Klux Klan in his book
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negro is unfit for citizenship.

1913 — Private letter
Controversial Unverifiable

The white race is the dominant race.

1915 — Speech on racial hierarchy
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negro is a danger to the white race.

1912 — Private conversation
Controversial Unverifiable

The Klan was a heroic organization.

1902 — Defending the Ku Klux Klan in his book
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negro is a menace to society.

1913 — Private letter
Controversial Unverifiable

The white race must remain supreme.

1915 — Speech on racial hierarchy
Controversial Unverifiable

The Negro is a threat to civilization.

1912 — Private conversation
Controversial Unverifiable

The Klan was a just response to black violence.

1902 — Defending the Ku Klux Klan in his book
Controversial Unverifiable