12 of George H.W Bush's Greatest Quotes

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Good Housekeeping

During George W.H Bush's presidency from 1989-1993, he worked to restore American values and make the United States a "kinder and gentler nation." He was often criticized for his lack of eloquence, but that doesn't mean he didn't have a lot to say. As we honor George Bush Sr., who died on November 30, 2018 at the age of 94, we're looking back at his most memorable quotes.

On the American Dream:

"The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something. And then I'd add to that, giving something back. No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others."

On education:

"Think about every problem, every challenge, we face. The solution to each starts with education."

On ambition:

"I was offered a job on Wall Street by my uncle. But I wanted to get out. Make-it-on-my-own kinda thing."

On American voters:

"I put confidence in the American people, in their ability to sort through what is fair and what is unfair, what is ugly and what is unugly."

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

On the future:

"And I do not mistrust the future. I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our challenges are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are endless, God's love is truly boundless."

On freedom:

"The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world."

On music:

"A good country song taps into strong undercurrents of family, faith, and patriotism."

On volunteering:

"I think the spirit of America, one American wanting to make another American's life better, or internationally our desire to see countries do better, or people in countries do better, coming from this concept of volunteerism is a very valid and important part of our internal being."

On his opinions:

"I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them."

On gender:

"But let me tell you, this gender thing is history. You're looking at a guy who sat down with Margaret Thatcher across the table and talked about serious issues."

On his politcal views:

"I'm conservative, but I'm not a nut about it."

On life:

"In crucial things, unity. In important things, diversity. In ALL things, generosity."

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