Leland Stanford Quotes

A collection of quotes by Leland Stanford.

Leland Stanford (1824-1893) was an American industrialist, politician, and philanthropist best known as one of the founders of Stanford University. Born in New York, he worked as a lawyer before turning to business pursuits. Stanford made his fortune alongside his wife, Jane Stanford, through his involvement in the railroad industry as a key figure in the Central Pacific Railroad, which played a crucial role in the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.

Stanford served as the 8th Governor of California from 1862 to 1863, during which time he advocated for the construction of a railroad line to the Pacific. He later became a United States Senator from California, serving from 1885 until his death. As a politician, he supported various progressive initiatives, including women's suffrage and the eight-hour workday.

Following the tragic death of their only child, Leland Stanford Jr., the couple made the decision to honor their son's memory by establishing a university. In 1885, Stanford University was founded as a leading institution of higher education located in Stanford, California. Leland Stanford's philanthropic legacy also included generous donations to various educational, scientific, and cultural projects.

Leland Stanford's contributions to the railroad industry, politics, and education significantly influenced the development of California and the United States during the 19th century. Today, Stanford University stands as a testament to his dedication to education and his impact on American society.

The rights of one sex, political and otherwise, are the same

The rights of one sex, political and otherwise, are the same as those of the other sex, and this equality of rights ought to be fully recognized.

Leland Stanford

Equality

Many writers upon the science of political economy have decl

Many writers upon the science of political economy have declared that it is the duty of a nation first to encourage the creation of wealth and second, to direct and control its distribution. All such theories are delusive.

Leland Stanford

Science

The employer class is less indispensable in the modern organ

The employer class is less indispensable in the modern organization of industries because the laboring men themselves possess sufficient intelligence to organize into co-operative relation and enjoy the entire benefits of their own labor.

Leland Stanford

Intelligence

From my earliest acquaintance with the science of political

From my earliest acquaintance with the science of political economy, it has been evident to my mind that capital was the product of labor, and that therefore, in its best analysis there could be no natural conflict between capital and labor.

Leland Stanford

Science

When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down un

When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down until you get to the end of the row.

Alice Paul

Smile

Each co-operative institution will become a school of busine

Each co-operative institution will become a school of business in which each member will acquire a knowledge of the laws of trade and commerce.

Leland Stanford

Knowledge

The employee is regarded by the employer merely in the light

The employee is regarded by the employer merely in the light of his value as an operative. His productive capacity alone is taken into account.

Leland Stanford

Alone

A man's sentiments are generally just and right, while it is

A man's sentiments are generally just and right, while it is second selfish thought which makes him trim and adopt some other view. The best reforms are worked out when sentiment operates, as it does in women, with the indignation of righteousness.

Leland Stanford

Best

Government itself is founded upon the great doctrine of the

Government itself is founded upon the great doctrine of the consent of the governed, and has its cornerstone in the memorable principle that men are endowed with inalienable rights.

Leland Stanford

Government