Nobody but radicals have ever accomplished anything in a great crisis.
Interpretation
Radical actions are often necessary to achieve significant change during tough times.
This quote by James A. Garfield suggests that only those who take bold and unconventional approaches, referred to as radicals, can bring about meaningful accomplishments in times of crisis. It highlights the idea that in moments of great difficulty, typical or moderate responses are often insufficient, and it is the willingness to embrace radical ideas and actions that can lead to success and resolution.
In practice
In a speech about leadership during a crisis, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for bold decisions.
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.
Be a hero. Always say, 'I have no fear.' Tell this to everyone - 'Have no fear.'
It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.
By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.
Be brave as your fathers before you. Have faith and go forward.
I believe in pride of race and lineage and self: in pride of self so deep as to scorn injustice to other selves.
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