Portrait of Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan

US President, Cold War

Contemporary influential 117 sayings

Sayings by Ronald Reagan

I've often wondered how we'd stand up to an alien invasion. And then I've thought that if there was an alien threat, that would unite us all.

1987 — Speech to the United Nations General Assembly
War & Conflict Unverifiable

I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of a national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting.

1981 — Remarks at a White House Correspondents' Dinner
Wisdom Confirmed

Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.

1981 — Remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference
Political Unverifiable

I am not a great man; I'm a simple man who had a great dream.

1989 — Farewell Address to the Nation
Inspirational Unverifiable

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: 'I'm from the government, and I'm here to help.'

1986 — News conference
Political Confirmed

My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We start bombing in five minutes.

1984 — Sound check prior to a radio address
Art & Creativity Confirmed

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.

1981 — Remarks at a White House Correspondents' Dinner
Political Unverifiable

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.

1981 — Speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference
Money & Business Unverifiable

How do you tell a Communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.

1980s — Attributed, often cited
Political Unverifiable

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.

1983 — Address to the National Association of Evangelicals
Political Unverifiable

Status quo, you know, is Latin for 'the mess we're in.'

1984 — Remarks at a White House briefing for Republican candidates
Wisdom Unverifiable

It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.

1980s — Attributed, often cited
Educational Unverifiable

I hope you are all Republicans.

1981 — Remarks to surgeons as he was wheeled into surgery after being shot
Inspirational Confirmed

You know, a fellow told me that he was a Republican for 20 years. I asked him, 'What changed your mind?' He said, 'I saw the light.' Then I asked, 'What was the light?' He said, 'The flame of the burning cross.'

1980s — Attributed, from 'Reagan's America: Innocents at Home' by Garry Wills (This quote's authenticity is …
Political Unverifiable

I'm not a natural politician. I'm a natural actor.

1980 — Remarks to reporters
Political Unverifiable

There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.

1981 — First Inaugural Address
Inspirational Unverifiable

It isn't so much that liberals are ignorant. It's just that they know so many things that aren't so.

1980s — Attributed, common political saying
Political Unverifiable

I bought a used car once that was in perfect condition. It had only been driven by a little old lady to church on Sundays. The only trouble was, she was a professional race car driver.

1980s — Attributed, joke often told by Reagan
Biblical Unverifiable

Some years ago, the novelist, Ken Follett, wrote a book, 'The Man From St. Petersburg.' In it, he describes a Russian agent who was sent to London to assassinate Winston Churchill. Now, I thought that was a pretty good story, but then I realized, if they really wanted to get Churchill, they would have sent him to Hollywood.

1981 — Remarks at a White House Correspondents' Dinner
Biblical Unverifiable

Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.

1980s — Attributed, often cited
Art & Creativity Unverifiable
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