I am trying to do two things: dare to be a radical and not a fool, which is a matter of no small difficulty.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the challenge of being both brave in one's beliefs and wise in their execution.
James A. Garfield's quote reflects the difficulty of balancing radical ideas with rational thought. It suggests that while it is important to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, one must also be mindful of the consequences and ensure that one's actions are thoughtful and not merely reckless. This balance is critical in striving for meaningful change without crossing into foolishness.
In practice
In a speech about innovative thinking in leadership.
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.
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.
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.
The young are so old, they are born with their fingers crossed.
I have seen slower people than I am and more deliberate... and even quieter, and more listless, and lazier people than I am. But they were dead.
And when one of you falls down he falls for those behind him, a caution against the stumbling stone. Ay, and he falls for those ahead of him, who though faster and surer of foot, yet removed not the stumbling stone.
A good lawyer knows how to shut up when he's won his case.
Tantra says be real, be authentic to yourself. Your happiness is not bad; it is good. It is not sin! Only sadness is sin, only to be miserable is sin. To be happy is virtue because a happy person will not create unhappiness for others. Only a happy person can be a ground for others' happiness.
People who are aware of, and ashamed of, their prejudices are well on the road to eliminating them.
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