Portrait of Harry Truman

Harry Truman

US President, atomic bomb decision

Modern influential 194 sayings

Sayings by Harry Truman

I don't give a damn about popularity. I care about doing what's right.

1940s — Attributed, emphasizing his principled stance.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The United States was not built on fear. It was built on courage, imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.

1947 — Speech to Congress
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I am not an expert in anything. I just try to do my job the best I can.

1940s-1950s — Attributed, another expression of humility.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The problems of the world can't be solved by men who are afraid to use their brains.

1950s — Attributed, advocating for intellectual courage.
Life & Aging Unverifiable

When you're President, you don't have friends, you have problems.

1940s — Attributed, a cynical but perhaps realistic view of power.
General Unverifiable

I'm just a simple country boy who got lucky.

1940s — Attributed, a self-deprecating remark.
General Unverifiable

It's a good thing I'm not a pretty boy, or they'd really be after me.

1940s — Attributed, a humorous comment on his appearance and public scrutiny.
General Unverifiable

There are only two things that can break a man: women and money. And I've never had much of either.

1950s — Attributed, a wry observation.
Work & Money Unverifiable

I've never been one to run away from a fight.

1940s-1950s — Attributed, reflecting his combative nature.
General Unverifiable

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.

1950s — Attributed, a motivational quote.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I don't pretend to be a great man. But I try to be a man of integrity.

1940s-1950s — Attributed, emphasizing his ethical approach.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

It's a good thing I don't have to run for President again. I'm too old for that nonsense.

1950s — Attributed after his presidency.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I believe in the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But sometimes, you have to hit them over the head with it.

1950s — Attributed, a humorous and somewhat aggressive interpretation.
General Unverifiable

The world is full of people who are willing to give you advice, but very few who are willing to help you.

1950s — Attributed, a cynical view of human nature.
General Unverifiable

I'm just a country boy who got caught up in the big city.

1940s — Attributed, another self-deprecating remark.
General Unverifiable

I've got a new toy that's going to win this war, and it's going to put an end to all wars.

1945 — Reported to have said this to his staff after being informed about the successful test of the atomic…
Shocking Unverifiable

When you have to deal with a man who is a son-of-a-bitch, you have to be a son-of-a-bitch yourself.

1940s-1950s — Reported by several sources as a common saying of Truman's, often in reference to dealing with diffi…
Shocking Unverifiable

The American people are entitled to know whether or not I am a thief and a scoundrel. If I am, they ought not to have me for President. If I am not, they are entitled to know that.

1948 — Statement regarding allegations of corruption during his time as a county judge.
Shocking Unverifiable

I don't think I'll ever be satisfied until we have clean government, and I don't care what it costs.

1940s — Remark made during an off-the-record conversation.
Shocking Unverifiable

I suppose history will remember me as the man who dropped the atomic bomb on Japan. But I hope they will also remember that I did it to save American lives.

1950s — Reflecting on his decision to use atomic bombs during an interview.
Shocking Unverifiable
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