Ferdinand Marcos Quotes

Filipinos are not worse than any other colonized people except that our colonization was a little longer, and the independence movement was always dictated in political terms, never in social ones. We borrowed terms, but we didn't understand them.

It is not a choice of life, it is a choice of death. If this is life, I'd rather die.

I often wonder what I will be remembered in history for. Scholar? Military hero? Builder?

I can understand the Cultural Revolution of Mao Tse-tung.

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

No matter how strong and dedicated a leader may be, he must find root and strength amongst the people. He alone cannot save a nation. He may guide, he may set the tone, he may dedicate himself and risk his life, but only the people may save themselves.

The permissiveness of society must be balanced with authoritativeness.

What we ask of the developed countries is to let the Third World find a third way.

The U.S. State Department has a consistent record of error in the assessment of Asian situations and judging Red Chinese intentions.

Elect me as your congressman today, I promise you an Ilocano president in 20 years.

History should not be left to the historians. Rather, be like Churchill. Make history, and then write it.

I was reminded as I was reviewing my life, that I have been in too many conflicts, too many wars, political battles, military battles, civil strifes in government. And always one lesson stands out and that is, those whom you fight most passionately often turn out to be your best friends.

Some people say the president is incapable of enforcing the law. Let them say that once more and I will set the tanks on them.

We cannot and we will not negotiate with terrorists. We have nothing but contempt for them. To conciliate differences with these people without them changing their objectives is to condemn our Republic to ultimate strangulation and death.

The foundation upon which our nation stands is much richer and firmer than the sympathies that may occasionally divide us. And we never know this more truly than in Christmas time. In good times or in bad, under clear skies or under the shadow of uncertainty, the Christmas message is the imperishable one of joy, hope and brotherhood.

I do not care how brave a president is; I do not care how many medals he may wear. I do not care how well trained his guards may be. If he violates the will of the people, he shall be eliminated.

The challenge to Asia is to discard the dry, meatless bone of mysticism and fatalism.

Freedom is not just declared; it is exercised.

The challenge to America is to extend to Asia the defensive shield of American power in forms consonant with Asian freedom and self-respect.

Leadership is the other side of the coin of loneliness, and he who is a leader must always act alone. And acting alone, accept everything alone.