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About this quote

What does it mean?
Most presidents did not plan to achieve the office from the start.
In plain terms
Few presidents planned to become president.
What can you take from it?
Few leaders planned their rise to power.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • political ambition
  • leadership selection

Putting it to work

  • focus on service over titles
  • prepare for unexpected roles
  • serve your community

Questions to consider

  • Does ambition help or hinder leadership?
  • What makes a good leader?

Another view

Many political figures actively plan their paths to high office.

More from James A. Garfield

  1. I am a poor hater.

    Permalink to quote #9

  2. Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.

    Permalink to quote #11

  3. The return to solid values is always hard... Distress, panic, and hard times have marked our pathway in returning to solid values.

    Permalink to quote #8

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