Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Quotes

A collection of quotes by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr..

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (1917-2007) was an American historian, author, and political commentator who emerged as a prominent figure in the mid-20th century. Born on October 15, 1917, in Columbus, Ohio, Schlesinger held a deep fascination for history and politics from an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1938 and went on to pursue a Ph.D. in history.

Schlesinger's early work focused primarily on the New Deal era and Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. His scholarly abilities and commitment to historical accuracy propelled him to become a highly respected historian. In 1947, he published his critically acclaimed book "The Age of Jackson," which explored the significance of President Andrew Jackson's influence on American democracy.

Apart from his academic accomplishments, Schlesinger also entered the political sphere. He worked as an advisor to President John F. Kennedy and played a significant role in shaping Kennedy's foreign policy. Following Kennedy's assassination, Schlesinger continued his career as a political commentator, frequently writing articles and essays for various publications.

Known for his progressive views and liberal ideologies, Schlesinger published numerous books contributing to the understanding of American political history. Some of his notable works include "A Thousand Days: John F. Kennedy in the White House" (1965) and "The Imperial Presidency" (1973), which critically examined the growth of executive power.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. left a lasting impact through his historical scholarship, political engagement, and contribution to public discourse. He passed away on February 28, 2007, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential historians and intellectuals of his time.

If we are to survive, we must have ideas, vision, and courag

If we are to survive, we must have ideas, vision, and courage. These things are rarely produced by committees. Everything that matters in our intellectual and moral life begins with an individual confronting his own mind and conscience in a room by himself.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Individuality

The genius of impeachment lay in the fact that it could puni

The genius of impeachment lay in the fact that it could punish the man without punishing the office.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Watergate

To say that there is a case for heroes is not to say that th

To say that there is a case for heroes is not to say that there is a case for hero worship. The surrender of decision, the unquestioning submission to leadership, the prostration of the average man before the Great Man -- these are the diseases of heroism, and they are fatal to human dignity. History amply shows that it is possible to have heroes without turning them into gods. And history shows, too, that when a society, in flight from hero worship, decides to do without great men at all, it gets into troubles of its own.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Heroes/heroism

Troubles impending always seem worse than troubles surmounte

Troubles impending always seem worse than troubles surmounted, but this does not prove that they really are.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Justice

I trust that a graduate student some day will write a doctor

I trust that a graduate student some day will write a doctoral essay on the influence of the Munich analogy on the subsequent history of the twentieth century. Perhaps in the end he will conclude that the multitude of errors committed in the name of Munich may exceed the original error of 1938.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Agreement

Television has spread the habit of instant reaction and stim

Television has spread the habit of instant reaction and stimulated the hope of instant results.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Hope