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James A. Garfield

10 quotes

A name that surfaces again and again in collections of great quotes, James A. Garfield clearly understood the power of language. Whether reflecting on Wisdom or War, James A. Garfield brought uncommon clarity to every subject. Our collection holds 12 quotes from James A. Garfield, each offering a different angle on Wisdom, War, Truth, Power, and Peace. A favorite of many readers: "The chief duty of government is to keep the peace and stand out of the sunshine of the people."

“Ideas are the great warriors of the world, and a war that has no idea behind it, is simply a brutality.”

— James A. Garfield

War

All Quotes by James A. Garfield

“Ideas are the great warriors of the world, and a war that has no idea behind it, is simply a brutality.”

— James A. Garfield

War

“Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.”

— James A. Garfield

Education

“The chief duty of government is to keep the peace and stand out of the sunshine of the people.”

— James A. Garfield

Government

“If the power to do hard work is not a skill, it's the best possible substitute for it.”

— James A. Garfield

Power

“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.”

— James A. Garfield

Truth

“All free governments are managed by the combined wisdom and folly of the people.”

— James A. Garfield

Wisdom

“Poverty is uncomfortable but nine times out of ten the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim.”

— James A. Garfield

Best

“Man cannot live by bread alone he must have peanut butter.”

— James A. Garfield

Alone

“Few men in our history have ever obtained the Presidency by planning to obtain it.”

— James A. Garfield

History

“He who controls the money supply of a nation controls the nation.”

— James A. Garfield

Money