Unjust attacks on public men do them more good than unmerited praise.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
The President of the United States should strive to be always mindful of the fact that he serves his party best who serves his country best.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A president's duty to the nation should take precedence over party loyalty.
This quote emphasizes the importance of a leader prioritizing the well-being of the nation over the interests of their political party. It suggests that true service and effective governance arise from focusing on the broader responsibilities to all citizens rather than being beholden to party politics.
Themes
LeadershipServiceCountryPoliticsDuty
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a political rally, a candidate might use this quote to emphasize their commitment to national service over party politics.
More from Rutherford B. Hayes
All quotes βPersonally I do not resort to force - not even the force of law - to advance moral reforms. I prefer education, argument, persuasion, and above all the influence of example - of fashion.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
Nothing brings out the lower traits of human nature like office-seeking. Men of good character and impulses are betrayed by it into all sorts of meanness.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
Wars will remain while human nature remains. I believe in my soul in cooperation, in arbitration; but the soldier's occupation we cannot say is gone until human nature is gone.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
The bold enterprises are the successful ones. Take counsel of hopes rather than of fears to win in this business.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
It is the desire of the good people of the whole country that sectionalism as a factor in our politics should disappear.
Rutherford B. HayesRead
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