10 Inspirational Presidential Quotes

12/24/2014
10 Inspirational Presidential Quotes
GROWTH STRATEGIES
10 Inspirational
Presidential Quotes
Kathleen Davis
FEBRUARY 15, 2013
A great politician, just like a great business leader, can

inspire action and with just a few well-crafted words. We
mined the speeches of some of the most significant U.S.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/225769
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leaders from Thomas Jefferson to Barack Obama for

words of inspiration.
Whether you need a kick to launch that business you've
been dreaming about, or you just need little motivation
to keep plugging forward on the slow road of progress,
we have your next mantra.
True leaders inspire others.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn

more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -John Quincy Adams
Despite his struggles with opposition in Congress, the
sixth president of the U.S. still knew that a good leader
is only as strong as those he works with. Adams
managed to pay off much the national debt in his single
term in office. Motivating your team to go above and
beyond is just as important as being motivated yourself.
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Small achievements happen every day.
Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a

destination. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
The two-term president had a long resum when taking
office in 1952, including serving as a five-star major
general in World War II. Leading the county during a
turbulent decade in office that included the end of the
Korean War, he took a pragmatic approach to achieving
his objectives. If big picture success seems too lofty of a
goal, focus on what you can achieve each day.
Remember what is important.
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Tell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time. -Gerald R. Ford
The only president in U.S. history who was never
elected to office (he succeed the impeached president
Richard Nixon), may not have sought his role as a world
leader, but he served his short term with honesty. Ford
had a reputation as an open, trustworthy everyman, and
his words can serve as a reminder that some of the
most important things about leadership are also the
simplest.
Don't comprise your core values.
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In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of

principle, stand like a rock. -- Thomas Jefferson
The founding father and primary author of the
Declaration of Independence knew a thing or two about
principles. Among his many notable political
achievements, is the bill he wrote in 1786 establishing
religious freedom, which was used as a model for the
religious language in the Bill of Rights.
When it comes to trends in the market it helps to stay
current, but when it comes to what your company really
believes in, stand firm and stay true to your principles.
Always move forward.
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I walk slowly, but I never walk backward. -- Abraham

Lincoln
One of the most influential presidents in U.S. history,
Lincoln inspired the U.S. during a long and difficult
period. His progress in issuing the Emancipation
Proclamation and ending the Civil War was arduous and
hard-won, but he never gave up. Success likely won't
come overnight, so keep your goal in sight and keep
moving forward -- no matter how slowly.
Be different.
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Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of

growth. -- John F. Kennedy
The youngest president in U.S. history was regarded by
many as a visionary. Not satisfied with the status quo,
Kennedy spearheaded economic programs that
launched the U.S. on its longest expansion since World
War II and championed equality by calling for civil rights
legislation.
Think of the entrepreneurs that you find more influential
and innovative, chances are they went against the grain
and had a different way of approaching things. Going
the safe route is rarely the way to get noticed.
Don't give up.
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Image credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh
If you're walking down the right path and you're willing

to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. -Barack Obama
The current POTUS stuck to his guns in his first term in
office and passed the landmark Affordable Care Act (aka
"Obamacare") despite facing a lot of opposition. Agree
with him or not, entrepreneurs can admire his
persistence. Once you choose the path for your
business, stay committed and you'll make progress
slowly but surely.
Treat everyone with respect.
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If you treat people right they will treat you right ninety
percent of the time. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR faced many daunting problems when he took office
during the Great Depression. With 13 million
unemployed, and almost every bank closed, he
proposed his sweeping "New Deal" recovery programs
within his first 100 days in office. As the U.S. slowly
recovered many turned against aspects of his programs
and he responded with a series of new reforms
including Social Security and new controls over banks
and public utilities. While he won re-election by a large
margin, he faced a lot of opposition in the Supreme
Court, proving that you can't please all of the people all
of the time.
Believe in yourself.
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Believe you can and youre halfway there. -- Theodore

Roosevelt
Teddy Roosevelt's favorite proverb, "Speak softly and
carry a big stick," speaks as much to his selfassuredness as it does his governing style. The 26th
president certainly didn't lack confidence, viewing
himself as a "steward of the people." He enacted several
large antitrust suits, ensured the construction of the
Panama Canal, championed conservation and even won
a Nobel Peace Prize. Take a page from his book if you
want to inspire confidence in others -- the first step is
believing in yourself.
Share the spotlight.
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It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not

care who gets the credit. -- Harry S. Truman
Truman faced a myriad of wartime problems including
the development of the atomic bomb when he assumed
the presidency following Franklin Roosevelt's
unexpected death in 1945. Later that year he witnessed
the signing of the charter of the United Nations, and
worked throughout his presidency with the leaders of
other countries. Today's business leaders can learn from
his spirit of cooperation.
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12/24/2014