I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center.
Interpretation
The quote criticizes extreme political views that attack moderate positions.
Eisenhower expresses contempt for individuals on the far ends of the political spectrum who refuse to engage in constructive dialogue and instead choose to attack those who represent a more balanced, centrist perspective. This reflects a belief in the importance of moderation and understanding in political discourse.
In practice
During a political debate on the importance of moderation in politics.
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.
The 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.
We used to say poor people had lousy genes. Then we decided that wasn't OK, but we transferred the prejudice to upbringing. We said, 'You were neglected as a child, so you'll never make it.' That's just as pernicious.
You do not have to utter anything you do not want to utter,β I told her, and she said, βThen I would never utter another word again.β βYou do not have to do anything that you do not want to do.β βThen I would never do anything again.
I think, sometimes, that I'm going nuts, and that perhaps there is something good about blocking clean water for those who have none, making sure that illiterate children remain so, and preventing the resuscitation of the public health sector in the country most in need of it. Lunacy is what it is.
To listen to some devout people, one would imagine that God never laughs.
Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one.
The chief danger about Paris is that it is such a strong stimulant.
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