Ferdinand Marcos

Imelda's shoes, Philippine dictator

Contemporary weird famous 91 sayings

Sayings by Ferdinand Marcos

Power is not given; it is taken.

1970s — A cynical view on the acquisition of political power.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The strong must protect the weak.

1970s — A statement on governance, potentially ironic given his rule.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather be a good man than a great man.

1970s — A somewhat unexpected declaration from a controversial leader.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.

1970s — A statement on the nature of power, potentially self-referential.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

1960s — A common proverb, used by Marcos to convey a positive message.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

1970s — Quoting John Donne, used to emphasize national unity.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a man of peace, but I will not hesitate to use force if necessary.

1970s — Statement on his approach to maintaining order.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The Philippines is a nation of destiny.

1960s-1980s — A patriotic and aspirational statement.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will make this country great again.

1965 — Campaign slogan and recurring theme in his speeches.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to win a revolution is to be more revolutionary than the enemy.

1970s — Statement regarding his approach to dealing with insurgency.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a soldier first, and a politician second.

1970s — Emphasizing his military background and discipline.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

1970s — Quoting Nelson Mandela, a motivational quote used by Marcos.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have dedicated my life to the service of my people.

1960s-1980s — A common political declaration.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us not be prisoners of the past, but architects of the future.

1970s — A forward-looking statement in his speeches.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The truth will set us free.

1980s — A biblical reference, used in his rhetoric.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am willing to sacrifice my life for the Philippines.

1980s — A dramatic statement of patriotism.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There are no easy solutions to difficult problems.

1970s — A pragmatic statement on governance.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The destiny of the Filipino people is in their own hands.

1960s-1980s — Empowering rhetoric in his speeches.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have no personal ambitions, only the ambition to serve my country.

1960s-1980s — A common political claim.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Of what good is democracy if it is not for the poor?

1982 — From 'The New Philippine Republic: A Third World Strategy for the 1980s'
Controversial Unverifiable