Woodrow Wilson

US President, League of Nations

Modern influential 128 sayings

Sayings by Woodrow Wilson

The highest form of success is to be able to live with yourself.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only thing that ever really ultimately succeeds is the truth.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only thing that can redeem mankind is cooperation.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The man who has not learned to smile should not go into business.

Early 20th Century — Reported saying
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The white men were roused by a mere instinct of self-preservation... until at last there had sprung into existence a great Ku Klux Klan.

1902 — Writing in his book 'A History of the American People'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Segregation is not humiliating but a benefit.

1914 — Defending racial segregation in federal offices
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The world must be made safe for democracy.

1917 — Speech asking Congress to declare war on Germany
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country.

1919 — Remark to a journalist after his stroke
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests.

1912 — Campaign speech
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Segregation is not a humiliation but a benefit, and ought to be so regarded by you gentlemen.

1914 — Meeting with African American leaders at the White House
Controversial Unverifiable

The white men of the South are the only men among us who have at all times, with a spirit and a method that no one can successfully question, protected the purity of the ballot box.

1902 — A History of the American People, Vol. V
Controversial Unverifiable

The only reason I have ever been in politics is because I have wanted to serve the people.

1910 — Speech in Trenton, New Jersey
Controversial Unverifiable

The government is not a machine, but a living thing, and it must be allowed to grow and adapt itself to the needs of the people.

1912 — Speech in New York City
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a Democrat, but I am a Democrat of the new school.

1912 — Speech in New York City
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe that the American people are a people who have a genius for self-government.

1913 — Speech in Washington D.C.
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to achieve peace is to be prepared for war.

1916 — Speech in St. Louis, Missouri
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not afraid of the future, for I believe in the American people.

1912 — Speech in New York City
Controversial Unverifiable

The use of the President's personal influence to secure the passage of legislation is not only legitimate, but it is a necessary part of his duties.

1908 — Constitutional Government in the United States
Controversial Unverifiable

No man can be a complete master of himself who is not also master of his environment.

1915 — When a Man Comes to Himself
Controversial Unverifiable

The President is at liberty, both in law and conscience, to be as big a man as he can.

1908 — Constitutional Government in the United States
Controversial Unverifiable