Famous American Quotations: Words That Inspired a Nation

• Abraham Lincoln
• Thomas Jefferson
  • We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.--The Declaration of Independence
  • We mutually pledge to each other; our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. --The Declaration of Independence
  • Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.--Epigrams''
  • Thomas Jefferson Essay - Thomas Jefferson's view on religion, and includes his picture
  • Thomas Jefferson Biography
  • Historic Monticello
  • hotels near Monticello

George Washington

• George Washington Biography
• Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company --  Rules of Civility
• Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. --Maxims of Washington
• To be prepared for war is the most effectual means of preserving peace --Address to Congress 1790

Thomas Paine

• Thomas Paine Common Sense
• Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one. --Common Sense
• My country is the world and my religion is to do good --Rights of Man

Patrick Henry

• Patrick Henry Biography
• Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what the course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! --Speech March 1775
• Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the First, his Cromwell; and George the III, may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it. --Speech to Virginia House of Burgesses

Teddy Roosevelt

• Young Teddy Roosevelt
• Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. --1901 Address
• We demand that big business give people a square deal.-- Letter

 

Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Day of Infamy Speech Dec 7, 1941
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Biography
• Franklin D. Roosevelt is an inspiration to all Americans. Roosevelt was stricken with Polio early in life and was left crippled. However, this did not stop him from rising to the Presidency and leading the American people through the Great Depression and World War II. FDR is famous for his fireside chats, the New Deal, and his moving speeches. Although confined to a wheel chair, Roosevelt insisted on standing for all but one of his speeches, his last speech he delivered to Congress. Roosevelt died in Office in April 1945 a few weeks before Germany surrendered. FDR was the first and last President to serve four consecutive terms.
• We would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.--  1939 Address
• We have had the lesson before us over and over again; nations that were not ready and were unable to get ready found themselves overrun by the enemy. --Message to Congress, 1940
• We build and defend not for our generation alone. We defend the foundations laid by our fathers. We build a life for generations yet unborn. We defend and we build a life, not for America alone, but for all mankind. -- Fireside Chat1940
• This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny. --Address 1936
• The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.--First Inaugural Address 1933

Eisenhower

• Famous Quotations from Eisenhower on DDay

General John Pershing

• Famous Quotations from General John Pershing on DDay

Suggested Reading

Bartlett's Familiar Quotations: A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern Literature

The Great Book of Inspirational Quotations :...