If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
We are tired of aristocratic explanations in Harvard words.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Eisenhower critiques the use of complex language by intellectuals, advocating for clearer communication.
Dwight D. Eisenhower's quote highlights the frustration with elitist language used by academics and intellectuals, particularly those associated with prestigious institutions. He calls for simplicity and accessibility in communication, suggesting that complex terminology can alienate and confuse rather than enlighten. This perspective encourages effective communication that reaches a broader audience, emphasizing the need for clarity and straightforwardness in discussions, especially in education and public discourse.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech to emphasize the importance of clear communication in education.
More from Dwight D. Eisenhower
All quotes βThe libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
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I always wanted to grow up in a house full of books, English books, and I wanted the sort of fireplaces that worked, overstuffed chairs, that whole kind of fantasy of a bookish New England life. So the library gave me that; for the hours that I was there, I was surrounded by that atmosphere that I craved in my life.
What is learned without pleasure is forgotten without remorse.
Teachers' working conditions are students' learning conditions
The most important service rendered by the press and the magazines is that of educating people to approach printed matter with distrust.
The great object of Education should be commensurate with the object of life. It should be a moral one; to teach self-trust: to inspire the youthful man with an interest in himself; with a curiosity touching his own nature; to acquaint him with the resources of his mind, and to teach him that there is all his strength.
No one can say just how long a message should be, but you rarely hear complaints about a speech being too short. The amateur worries about what he is going to put in his speech or article. The expert worries about what he should take out.