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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hayes notes he was criticized by extremists on both sides during his term but leaves with approval from the best people across parties.
In plain terms
Critics attacked me from all sides, but I leave with respect.
What can you take from it?
Extremists often attack moderates.

Where it applies

  • political career
  • leaving office
  • facing criticism

Putting it to work

  • maintaining integrity
  • valuing long-term respect

Questions to consider

  • What do you value more: approval or principle?
  • How do you handle criticism?

Another view

It presents a self-serving view of political success.

More from Rutherford B. Hayes

  1. Nobody ever left the presidency with less regret, less disappointment, fewer heart burnings, or any general content with the result of his term (in his own hea…

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  2. One of its [James A. Garfield's assassination] lessons, perhaps its most important lesson, is the folly, the wickedness, and the danger of the extreme and bitt…

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  3. Let every man, every corporation, and especially let every village, town, and city, every county and State, get out of debt and keep out of debt. It is the deb…

    Permalink to quote #43

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