Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States of America. He was also an actor and had served as the 33rd Governor of California. He faced a plethora of jokes when he transitioned from Hollywood as an actor to California as a politician. Despite all the jests directed at him, he handled the jokes with resilience and a sense of humor. Throughout his life, quotes by Ronald Reagan have inspired generations, transcending political boundaries and leaving an enduring impact on the American psyche
He earned the nickname “The Great Communicator” for his ability to captivate audiences with his wit, charm, and engaging manner. Let’s explore some of the best quotes by Ronald Reagan that resonate with wisdom and inspiration.
Also read: 10 Powerful Quotes By Vladimir Putin – The President Of Russia
1. Small changes eventually add up to huge results
“All great change in America begins at the dinner table. “
2. A little hard work will never hurt anyone
“It’s true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?”
3. Let the work speak for itself
“Thomas Jefferson once said, “We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.” And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.”
4. Reagan’s statement to Mikhail Gorbachev to open the Berlin Wall
“Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
5. The dark side of politics
“You know, it has been said that politics is the second oldest profession and I’ve come to realize over the last few years, it bears a great similarity to the first.”
6. Age is just a number
“I did turn 75 today – but remember, that’s only 24 Celsius.”
7. Citizens should be the priority of the government
“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”
8. Age brings wisdom along
“I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”
9. Reagan saw the Soviet Union as the “Evil Empire’
“If the Soviet Union let another political party come into existence, they would still be a one-party state, because everybody would join the other party.”
10. Let the eye of vigilance never be closed
“I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.”
11. Multitalented president
“How can a president not be an actor?
(When asked by a reporter “How can an actor run for President?”)
12. Reagan’s opposition to abortion
“I’ve noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born.”
13. Ronald Reagan criticized the government during his speech
“Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.”
14. Political loyalty is always important
“Please tell me you’re all Republicans.”
(Speaking to the surgeons who were to operate on him after an assassination attempt)
15. President Reagan proposes a missile defense system
“I call upon the scientific community in our country, those who gave us nuclear weapons, to turn their great talents now to the cause of mankind and world peace, to give us the means of rendering these nuclear weapons impotent and obsolete.”
16. He had humor even during the worst times
“Honey, I forgot to duck.”
(To his wife, Nancy Reagan, at the hospital following an assassination attempt)
17. Asking for help is never a sign of weakness
‘Even Albert Einstein reportedly needed help on his 1040 form.” ( Speaking to the Nation on Tax Reform)
18. When Jimmy Carter lost his presidency
“A recession is when a neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours. And recovery is when Jimmy Carter loses his.”
19. Power is the by-product of understanding
“How do you tell a Communist? Well, it’s someone who reads Marx and Lenin.
And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It’s someone who understands Marx and Lenin.”
20. The truth about politics
“Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.”
21. The issue with the administration
“Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”
22. It is the ability to bring out the best in others that makes you a leader
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
Politics is a serious business and people often get enmeshed in controversies, political issues, criticism, and whatnot! Ronald Reagan reduced stress by including humor in his speeches and winning the hearts of the public. Which of the above quotes by Ronald Reagan was the wittiest according to you?