Robert Byrd is already recognized as an American icon. Without question, when history is written, Senator Byrd will hold a prominent place as a Senate legend.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker acknowledges his own status as an icon and predicts a prominent place in history.
- In plain terms
- He knows he is famous now and expects history books to praise him later.
- What can you take from it?
- Self-reflection on legacy often accompanies long tenure in office.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who decides historical legacy?
- How should leaders view their own impact?
Another view
Assessing one's own historical standing can seem presumptuous.
More from Robert Byrd
Mr. President, before we begin consideration of this spending bill, I want to take a moment to say how distraught and terribly shaken I am over the news of my …
Permalink to quote #29 Robert C. Byrd is truly a legend in his own time. He stands larger than life, not only for his accomplishments, but also for his principles.
Permalink to quote #31 Can it be that we, too, are ready to embrace the foul concepts of atheism? Somebody is tampering with America's soul, I leave it to you who that somebody is. (…
Permalink to quote #28
Related quotes
Muhammad was a great man, fearless soldier; with a handful of men he triumphed at the battle of Badr, great captain, eloquent, a great man of state, it regener…
Napoleon BonaparteNapoleon Bonaparte quote #20 I do not want to be recorded in history as the man who bequeathed a tyranny.
Mustafa Kemal AtaturkMustafa Kemal Ataturk quote #23 The final chapter in Robert Byrd's history is not likely to be written for some time, yet it is safe to say that he has set a standard as a Senator, as a legis…
Robert ByrdRobert Byrd quote #34