I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that i may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the idea that every person, regardless of their appearance or circumstances, has untapped potential and deserves respect.
James A. Garfield's quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent possibilities within each individual, irrespective of their socio-economic status or outward appearance. The 'ragged boy' symbolizes those who may seem disadvantaged or marginalized, yet carry within them unique talents, aspirations, and stories. This thought encourages us to treat everyone with dignity, as we cannot judge their potential based solely on their external circumstances.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire respect for everyone around us.
Statistical science is indispensable to modern statesmanship. In legislation as in physical science it is beginning to be understood that we can control terrestrial forces only by obeying their laws. The legislator must formulate in his statutes not only the national will, but also those great laws of social life revealed by statistics.
I am trying to do two things: dare to be a radical and not a fool, which is a matter of no small difficulty.
Justice and goodwill will outlast passion.
Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.
If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it.
Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
My folks tried to make a preacher of me and missed by a narrow margin… I would have made a good one if I hadn’t fallen into the fatal folly of reading anything I could lay hands on. With just a touch more self confidence and a liberal helping of ignorance I could have been a famous evangelist.
Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world.
Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted.
God has to nearly kill us sometimes, to teach us lessons.
I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.
The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.