Millions of our citizens do not now have a full measure of opportunity to achieve and to enjoy good health. Millions do not now have protection or security against the economic effects of sickness. And the time has now arrived for action to help them attain that opportunity and to help them get that protection.

— Harry Truman

Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.

— Harry Truman

Not all readers become leaders, but all leaders must be readers.

— Harry Truman

Once a decision was made, I didn't worry about it afterward...

— Harry Truman

Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in

— Harry Truman

Politics should make a thief, a roué, and a pessimist of anyone but I don't believe I am any of them...

— Harry Truman

Poor Ike. He'll say do this and do that and nothing at all will happen.

— Harry Truman

Republicans approve of the American farmer, but they are willing to help him go broke. They stand four-square for the American home--but not for housing. They are strong for labor--but they are stronger for restricting labor's rights. Furthermore, they favor minimum wage--the smaller the minimum wage the better. Furthermore, they endorse educational opportunity for all--but they won't spend money for teachers or for schools. Furthermore, they think modern medical care and hospitals are fine--for people who can afford them. Furthermore, they consider electrical power a great blessing--but only when the private power companies get their rake-off. Furthermore, they think American standard of living is a fine thing--so long as it doesn't spread to all the people. And they admire of Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it.

— Harry Truman

Republicans don't like people to talk about depressions. You can hardly blame them for that. You remember the old saying: Don't talk about rope in the house where somebody has been hanged.

— Harry Truman

Selfishness and greed, individual or national, cause most of our troubles.

— Harry Truman