I was sitting outside the classroom waiting to go in, and I saw an airplane hit the tower - the TV was obviously on. And I used to fly, myself, and I said, well, there's one terrible pilot. I said, it must have been a horrible accident.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Upon seeing the 9/11 attack, Bush initially thought it was a terrible pilot accident.
- In plain terms
- He first thought it was an accident by a bad pilot.
- What can you take from it?
- Initial reactions to shocking events can be misinformed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do people react to sudden disasters?
- What does this reveal about leadership?
Another view
It downplays the clarity of the terrorist nature of the attack.
More from George W. Bush
You are either with us or you are against us in the fight against terror.
Permalink to quote #74 I couldn't imagine somebody like Osama bin Laden understanding the joy of Hannukah.
Permalink to quote #76 Well, you know, I think the American people are sacrificing now. I think they're waiting in airport lines longer than they've ever had before.
Permalink to quote #73
Related quotes
The more rational statement is that we feel sorry because we cry, angry because we strike, afraid because we tremble, and not that we cry, strike, or tremble, …
William JamesWilliam James quote #34 :it is the peculiar and perpetual error of the human understanding to be more moved and excited by affirmatives than by negatives:
Francis BaconFrancis Bacon quote #43 What the artist wishes to do - as far as you are concerned - is to take you out of yourself. As far as he is concerned, he wishes to express himself.
Ford Madox FordFord Madox Ford quote #1