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Mr. McKinley was one of the most popular figures in American history and one of the best representatives of American ideals. On account of the extraordinary purity of Mr. McKinley's character, the American people will find sympathy wherever civilized men dwell. Opinion in Europe regarding Pan-Americanism may possibly be divided, but it is comprehensible from the American point of view. Mr. McKinley died firmly believing that the work he had begun in domestic and foreign policy would find suitable instruments for its continuation.

William McKinley#7

LegacyPresidencyMckinleyCharacter

About this quote

What does it mean?
McKinley is praised for his character and popularity, with confidence that his policies will continue after his death.
In plain terms
McKinley was loved and respected, and his work will continue after he dies.
What can you take from it?
Strong leadership leaves lasting institutional legacies.

Where it applies

  • political transitions
  • leadership changes
  • policy debates

Putting it to work

  • honoring predecessors
  • continuing projects
  • assessing leaders

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader's work sustainable?
  • How do we judge character in politics?

Another view

Character praise may overlook policy flaws or controversies.

More from William McKinley

  1. The ocean is not wide enough to hold all the sympathy that is streaming from the Old World to the New.

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. I learn with deep pain that his Excellency Mr. McKinley has succumbed to the deplorable attempt on his life. I sympathize with you with all my heart in this ca…

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. I am deeply affected by the news of the untimely death of President McKinley. I hasten to express the deepest and most heartfelt sympathy of the German people …

    Permalink to quote #5

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