Paul Harris Quotes

A collection of quotes by Paul Harris.

Paul Harris is best known as the co-founder of Rotary International, an international service organization that focuses on bringing together leaders from various professions to provide humanitarian services and promote goodwill. Born on April 19, 1868, in Racine, Wisconsin, Harris grew up in Vermont and then later attended the University of Vermont and the Princeton School of Law.

After working as a schoolteacher, a reporter, and a lawyer, Harris embarked on a journey around the world, experiencing different cultures and meeting diverse people. This spirit of global connection and community drove him to establish Rotary International in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois. His vision was to create an organization that fostered meaningful friendships and promoted humanitarian efforts in local communities and beyond.

Paul Harris dedicated his life to Rotary's growth and success, serving as its president from 1910 to 1912 and later becoming the first Rotary International president. Under his leadership, Rotary expanded rapidly and saw the establishment of numerous clubs across the United States and internationally.

Beyond his involvement in Rotary, Harris actively championed public health initiatives and educational advancements. He firmly believed in the power of networking, mentorship, and service above self to make positive changes in society.

Paul Harris passed away on January 27, 1947, leaving behind a legacy of humanitarian service and international goodwill that continues to inspire Rotarians around the world.

To attempt to superimpose its views through the exercise of

To attempt to superimpose its views through the exercise of force, is seldom the part of intelligence it is frequently the part of ignorance.

Paul Harris


In course of time, religion came with its rites invoking the

In course of time, religion came with its rites invoking the aid of good spirits which were even more powerful than the bad spirits, and thus for the time being tempered the agony of fears.

Paul Harris

Religion

The very strength of a nation eventually proves to be its we

The very strength of a nation eventually proves to be its weakness.

Paul Harris

Strength

Ignorance is a menace to peace.

Ignorance is a menace to peace.

Paul Harris

Peace

The higher the general average of intelligence, all things e

The higher the general average of intelligence, all things else being equal, the less the disposition to be meddlesome, critical, and overbearing.

Paul Harris

Intelligence

One's religion is one's own possession and he has a right to

One's religion is one's own possession and he has a right to it.

Paul Harris

Religion

Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to

Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse, and power to bless.

Paul Harris

Power

Permanent superiority has never been realized by any nation

Permanent superiority has never been realized by any nation in history. After the rise comes the fall.

Paul Harris

History

One's nativity is not of his own choosing, but whatever it m

One's nativity is not of his own choosing, but whatever it may be, it is entitled to respect and all nations have honorable place in the world's family.

Paul Harris

Family

If there ever was a militant religion, it was that of early

If there ever was a militant religion, it was that of early New England.

Paul Harris

Religion

Motherhood is at its best when the tender chords of sympathy

Motherhood is at its best when the tender chords of sympathy have been touched.

Paul Harris

Mom

In the clashes between ignorance and intelligence, ignorance

In the clashes between ignorance and intelligence, ignorance is generally the aggressor.

Paul Harris

Intelligence