All my children have spoken for themselves since they first learned to speak, and not always with my advance approval, and I expect that to continue in the future. Gerald R. Ford More Quotes by Gerald R. Ford More Quotes From Gerald R. Ford A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have. Gerald R. Ford success inspirational peace Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you'll still 'beat the pack.' Gerald R. Ford best-effort strive missing The political lesson of Watergate is this: Never again must America allow an arrogant, elite guard of political adolescents to by-pass the regular party organization and dictate the terms of a national election. Gerald R. Ford party organization america America now is stumbling through the darkness of hatred and divisiveness. Our values, our principles, and our determination to succeed as a free and democratic people will give us a torch to light the way. And we will survive and become the stronger - not only because of a patriotism that stands for love of country, but a patriotism that stands for love of people. Gerald R. Ford determination love country There is an old saying, The harder you try the luckier you get. I kind of like that definition of luck. Gerald R. Ford luck trying motivational I hope never to see the day that I cannot admit having made a mistake. Gerald R. Ford made-a-mistake made mistake Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them - a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music. Gerald R. Ford carpe-diem children school I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our government, but civilization itself. Gerald R. Ford government civilization believe In a democracy, the public has a right to know not only what the government decides, but why and by what process. Gerald R. Ford democracy government process Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively. Gerald R. Ford communication important life-is If compassion and mercy are not compatible with politics then something is the matter with politics. Gerald R. Ford mercy compassion matter History and experience tell us that moral progress comes not in comfortable and complacent times, but out of trial and confusion. Gerald R. Ford progress confusion trials My goal is for a cooperative world at peace, using its resources to build, not to destroy. Gerald R. Ford resources goal world I believe that prayer in public schools should be voluntary. It is difficult for me to see how religious exercises can be a requirement in public schools, given our Constitutional requirement of separation of church and state. I feel that the highly desirable goal of religious education must be principally the responsibility of church and home. I do not believe that public education should show any hostility toward religion, and neither should it inhibit voluntary participation, if it does not interfere with the educational process. Gerald R. Ford educational religious prayer Richard Nixon... was just offered $2 million by Schick to do a television commercial - for Gillette. Gerald R. Ford television-commercials millions television My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor Him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy. Gerald R. Ford names love men We are bound together by the most powerful of all ties, our fervent love for freedom and independence, which knows no homeland but the human heart. Gerald R. Ford powerful ties heart There is no undertaking more challenging, no responsibility more awesome, than that of being a mother. Gerald R. Ford responsibility challenges mother The spirit of seeking understanding through personal contact with people of other nations and other cultures deserves the respect and support of all. Gerald R. Ford other-cultures support people Real assistance is to help people to help themselves. We can't do everything for everybody, but there is room for all who try to make it. Gerald R. Ford real trying people