Few women, I fear, have had such reason as I have to think the long sad years of youth were worth living for the sake of middle age.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the struggles of youth can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful middle age.
Eisenhower reflects on his life, acknowledging the difficult times he experienced during his youth but ultimately expressing that these challenges were necessary for the richer, more rewarding experience of middle age. It implies that enduring hardships can provide valuable lessons and perspectives that enhance future enjoyment and fulfillment.
In practice
This quote could be used during a graduation speech to encourage students facing challenges.
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.
Funerals...are for the living.
It was Howard Hawks who changed my life.
Your problem is how you are going to spend this one odd and precious life you have been issued. Whether you're going to spend it trying to look good and creating the illusion that you have power over people and circumstances, or whether you are going to taste it, enjoy it and find out the truth about who you are.
Life is short. From here to that old car you know so well there is a stretch of twenty, twenty-five paces. It is a very short walk. Make those twenty-five steps. Now. Right now. Come just as you are. And we shall live happily ever after.
It really felt like my generation was deprived of a future that we believed was ours. I don't mean some hugely privileged future where we all have gigantic houses. I mean having a job.
I don't know if I should care for a man who made life easy; I should want someone who made it interesting.
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