Adlai Stevenson II Quotes

American politician and diplomat (1900–1965); 31st governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953 (1900–1965)

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Adlai Ewing Stevenson II (5 February 1900 – 14 July 1965) was an American politician and statesman, noted for his skill in debate and oratory; Governor of Illinois, he was twice an unsuccessful candidate for President of the United States running against Dwight D. Eisenhower (in 1952 and 1956). Under the John F. Kennedy administration, he served as United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

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Alternative Names: Adlai Ewing Stevenson II • Adlai E. Stevenson II • Adlai Stevenson • Adlai Ewing Stevenson • Adlai E. Stevenson • Adlai Ewing Ferd Stevenson II

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I venture to suggest that patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.

Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff, and then print the chaff.

What counts is not the years in your life but the life in your years.

Change is inevitable. Change for the better is a full time job.

She would rather light candles than curse the darkness and her glow has warmed the world.

In quiet places, reason abounds.

Understanding human needs is half the job of meeting them.

I have been thinking that I would make a proposition to my Republican friends... that if they will stop telling lies about the Democrats, we will stop telling the truth about them.

Man is a strange animal, he doesn't like to read the handwriting on the wall until his back is up against it.

"The first principle of a free society is an untrammeled flow of words in an open forum."
(Adlai E. Stevenson, 1900-1965, American Lawyer, Politician)

I venture to guess that patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.

We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led to the present.

"Do you remember that in classical times when Cicero had finished speaking, the people said, "How well he spoke" but when Demosthenes had finished speaking, they said, "Let us march.

Your days are short here; this is the last of your springs. And now in the serenity and quiet of this lovely place, touch the depths of truth, feel the hem of Heaven. You will go away with old, good friends. And don't forget when you leave why you came.

In America, anyone can become president. That's one of the risks you take.