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About this quote

What does it mean?
Institutions endure even when individuals die.
In plain terms
Our systems last longer than any single person.
What can you take from it?
Build lasting systems and institutions.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • community building
  • history

Putting it to work

  • strengthen systems
  • document work
  • plan ahead

Questions to consider

  • What will outlast you?
  • What systems need care?

Another view

Institutions can crumble if neglected by people.

More from Chester A. Arthur

  1. Experience has shown that the trade of the East is the key to national wealth and influence.

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  2. What a pleasant lot of fellows they are. What a pity they have so little sense about politics. If they lived North the last one of them would be Republicans.

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  3. I trust the time is nigh when, with the universal assent of civilized people, all international differences shall be determined without resort to arms by the b…

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