Taft Quotes

Every Latter-day Saint should love the inspired Constitution of the United States - a nation with a spiritual foundation and a prophetic history - which nation the Lord has declared to be his base of operations in these latter days. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

William Howard Taft, who he embarrassed in these congressional hearings, attacks him as an emotionalist and a socialist and a cosmopolitan in terms that kind of have an anti-Semitic overtone. And even the pro-Brandeis press supported him in terms that really seem creepy today. There's this piece from Life magazine. It says, "Mr. Brandeis is a Jew. And until now there's never been a Jew on the Supreme Court. Perhaps it's time we have one." ~ Jeffrey Rosen

Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. They feel worthwhile as individuals if the numbers beneath them in achievement, talent, beauty, or intellect are large enough. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

A National Government cannot create good times. It cannot make the rain to fall, the sun to shine, or the crops to grow, but it can, by pursuing a meddlesome policy, attempting to change economic conditions, and frightening the investment of capital, prevent a prosperity and a revival of business which might otherwise have taken place. ~ William Howard Taft

The seeds of divorce are often sown and the problems of children begin when Mother works outside the home. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

There is no "but" in it. The way to be an administration Senator is to vote with the Administration. ~ William Howard Taft

I wish that every Latter-day Saint could say and mean it with all his heart: 'I'll go where you want me to go. I'll say what you want me to say. I'll be what you want me to be'. If we could do that, we would be assured of the maximum happiness here and exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God hereafter. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

That the government's power under the Taft-Hartley Act to stop a strike by injunction so clearly strengthens the hand of the employer-even though it is used only when a strike threatens
the national health, welfare, or safety-is a grave blemish and explains much of union resistance to the Act. ~ Peter Drucker

When I finish as the host of 'Jeopardy!' I'm going to go up to Taft in central California. They have a small college there that teaches you about oil drilling. ~ Alex Trebek

The true Mason's level of discernment increases with every use of the working tools, because the true Mason is ever working on him/her self. ~ William Howard Taft

The leisure time of children must be constructively directed to wholesome, positive pursuits. Too much time viewing television can be destructive ... It is estimated that growing children today watch television over twenty-five hours per week. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

One of Satan's most frequently used deceptions is the notion that the commandments of God are meant to restrict freedom and limit happiness. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The true Mason always carries his working tools everywhere. ~ William Howard Taft

I don't know how you feel, my brethren and sisters, but I'd rather be dead than to lose my liberty. I have no fear we'll ever lose it because of invasion from the outside. But I do have fear that it may slip away from us because of our own indifference, our own negligence, as citizens of this land. And so I plead with you this morning that you take an active interest in matters pertaining to the future of this country. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

God's revelation to Adam did not instruct Noah how to build the ark. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Do not leave yourself or your family unprotected against financial storms ... Build up savings. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Masonry, according to the general acceptation of the term, is an art founded on the principles of geometry, and devoted to the service and convenience of mankind. But Freemasonry, embracing a wider range and having a nobler object in view, namely, the cultivation and improvement of the human mind, may with more propriety be called a science, inasmuch as, availing itself of the terms of the former, it inculcates the principles of the purest morality, though its lessons are for the most part veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. ~ William Howard Taft

We must ensure our system of higher education offers world-class quality for a world-class economy. ~ Bob Taft

Have a good physical outlet of some sport or exercise. Overcome evil with good. You can overcome many evil inclinations through good physical exertion and healthful activities. A healthy soul ... is in better condition to overthrow the devil. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Time is numbered only to man. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Enthusiasm for a cause sometimes warps judgement. ~ William Howard Taft

I don't know whither we are drifting, but I do know where every real thinking patriot will stand in the end, and that's by the Constitution. ~ William Howard Taft

We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: 'Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be on the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the verge of destruction. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The development of the doctrine of international arbitration, considered from the standpoint of its ultimate benefits to the human race, is the most vital movement of modern times. In its relation to the well-being of the men and women of this and ensuing generations, it exceeds in importance the proper solution of various economic problems which are constant themes of legislative discussion and enactment. ~ William Howard Taft

The expression "follow the Brethren" has a broader meaning than some would apply to it. It means not only to agree with the counsel given to the Church by the Brethren, but also to follow their example in appearance and deportment. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Take away from the courts, if it could be taken away, the power to issue injunctions in labor disputes, and it would create a privileged class among the laborers and save the lawless among their number from a most needful remedy available to all men for the protection of their business interests against unlawful invasion ... The secondary boycott is an instrument of tyranny, and ought not to be made legitimate. ~ William Howard Taft

The precepts of the Gospel were universally the obligations of Masonry. ~ William Howard Taft

Every member of the priesthood should understand the divine plan designed by the Lord to raise up the first free people in modern times. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Some of the greatest battles will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The secrecy of Masonry is an honorable secrecy; any good man may ask for her secrets; those who are worthy will receive them. To give them to those who do not seek, or who are not worthy, would but impoverish the Fraternity and enrich not those who received them. ~ William Howard Taft

Lawyers are necessary in a community. Some of you ... take a different view; but as I am a member of that legal profession, or was at one time, and have only lost standing in it to become a politician, I still retain the pride of the profession. And I still insist that it is the law and the lawyer that make popular government under a written constitution and written statutes possible.. ~ William Howard Taft

Too many people don't care what happens so long as it doesn't happen to them. ~ William Howard Taft

Let's realize that the person we are going to correct and condemn will probably justify himself or herself, and condemn us in return; or, like the gentle Taft, will say: I don't see how I could have done any differently from what I have. ~ Dale Carnegie

Many a man in his hour of trial has turned to the Book of Mormon and been enlightened, enlivened, and comforted. The psalms in the Old Testament have a special food for the soul of one in distress. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Our parents deserve our honor and respect for giving us life itself. Beyond this they almost always made countless sacrifices as they cared for and nurtured us through our infancy and childhood, provided us with the necessities of life, and nursed us through physical illnesses and the emotional stresses of growing up. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The Holy Ghost causes out feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate. We are calmer. We have a greater capacity to love. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in character. As a result, we are more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

(Taken from the scene in which protagonist Rebeka is caught snooping around down in the underground floors of Project Code-X...)
"I was just curious as to what was down here," I said boldly.
He studied me, evaluating the situation carefully. His face relaxed.
"They say curiosity is the mark of a great scientist," he mused light-heartedly. "It is often the loss of that child-like curiosity that ends the career of many a great scientist prematurely. Their minds go dead and they are no longer inspired. Once that light goes, they are completely and utterly useless to me."
He had a habit of ruminating aloud, so I said nothing. Then perceiving me again, he took me by the arm. "Well now, Doctor Taft. Let me show you precisely what we are doing down here in the basement," he said, proceeding to guide me around the corridor. ~ S.J. Robinson

Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain
the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle
and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions? ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Mothers play an important role as the heart of the home, but this in no way lessens the equally important role fathers should play, as head of the home, in nurturing, training, and loving their children. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

That the sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usurpation and oppression. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

My young sisters, we have such hope for you. We have such great expectations for you. Don't settle for less than what the Lord wants you to be ...
Give me a young woman who loves home and family, who reads and ponders the scriptures daily, who has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon ... Give me a young woman who is virtuous and who has maintained her personal purity, who will not settle for less than a temple marriage, and I will give you a young woman who will perform miracles for the Lord now and throughout eternity. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Satan would have you believe that happiness comes only as you surrender to his enticements, but one only needs to look at the shattered lives of those who violate God's laws to know why Satan is called the Father of Lies. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

I have a vision of the whole Church getting nearer to God by abiding by the precepts of the Book of Mormon. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Scouting teaches a boy to take care of himself and stand on his own two feet. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Meditation on a passage of scripture ... led a young boy into a grove of trees to commune with his heavenly Father. That is what opened the heavens in this dispensation ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Roosevelt could always keep ahead with his work, but I cannot do it, and I know it is a grievous fault, but it is too late to remedy it. The country must take me as it found me. Wasn't it your mother who had a servant girl who said it was no use for her to try to hurry, that she was a "Sunday chil" and no "Sunday chil" could hurry? I don't think I am a Sunday child, but I ought to have been; then I would have had an excuse for always being late. ~ William Howard Taft

God does hear and answer prayers. I have never doubted that fact. From childhood, at my mother's knee where I first learned to pray; as a young man in my teens; as a missionary in foreign lands; as a father; as a Church leader; as a government official, I know without question that it is possible for men and women to reach out in humility and prayer and tap that Unseen Power; to have prayers answered. Man does not stand along, or, at least, he need not stand alone. Prayer will open doors; prayer will remove barriers; prayer will ease pressures; prayer will give inner peace and comfort during times of strain and stress and difficult. Thank God for prayer ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Young people, you need the wisdom of age, just as some of us older ones need your enthusiasm for life. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Since God created man with certain unalienable rights, and man, in turn, created government to help secure and safeguard those rights, it follows that man is superior to the creature which he created. Man is superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around. Even the non-believer can appreciate the logic of this relationship. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Freedom can be killed by neglect as well as by direct attack. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

No, the only things which do not bother me are the elements. I can overcome them without a fight. All one has to do to get the best of the elements is to stand pat and one will win. ~ William Howard Taft

This is a train of thieves, all of us
who never cared for our jobs or our mothers,
who looked out over the Hudson
and saw only water. ~ Margo Taft Stever

We should confess His hand in all things. Ingratitude is one of our great sins. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons' outings with your children. As a family, go on campouts and picnics, to ball games and recitals, to school programs, and so forth. Having Dad there makes all the difference. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Taft gets hold of the wet baguette and hits Will with it. ~ E. Lockhart

Politics makes me sick. ~ William Howard Taft

What does it mean to love someone with all your heart? It means to love with all your emotional feelings and with all your devotion. Surely when you love your wife with all your heart, you cannot demean her, criticize her, find fault with her, or abuse her by words, sullen behavior, or actions. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

One of the marks of an educated man today is to know what not to read
what not to see or what not to listen to. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The proud wish God would agree with them. They are not interested in changing their opinions to agree with God's. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Thirty-six House incumbents with ratings from the AFL-CIO's Committee on Political Education of seventy-five or higher were defeated - especially traumatic since Republicans had filibustered labor's fondest legislative wish: a repeal of the right-to-work provision of the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act. Union members voted for politicians who weakened their unions because the Democrats supported civil rights. ~ Rick Perlstein

The temple will be an ever-present reminder that God intended the family to be eternal. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

One of the joys of working with boys is that you get your pay as you go along. You can observe the results of your leadership daily ... Such satisfaction cannot be purchased at any price; it must be earned. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

It is unethical for any man to tax another man's home to fund his social agenda. Friends don't do that, your enemies will. ~ John Taft

The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings, the more he will bring to our mind other blessings. The more we are aware of to be grateful for, the happier we become. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Opposition provides choices, and choices bring consequences - good or bad. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

All through my life the counsel to depend on prayer has been prized above almost any other advice I have ever received. It has become an integral part of me, an anchor, a constant source of strength and the basis of my knowledge of things divine. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is the great stumbling block of Zion ... Pride is ugly; it says if you succeed I am a failure ... Pride is basically competitive in nature. When competition ends, pride ends. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Rules of conduct which govern men in their relations to one another are being applied in an ever-increasing degree to nations. The battlefield as a place of settlement of disputes is gradually yielding to arbitral courts of justice. ~ William Howard Taft

There is not a subject in which I take a deeper interest than I do in the development of Alaska, and I propose, if Congress will follow by recommendations, to do something in that territory that will make it move on. ~ William Howard Taft

Sin pulls a man down into despondency and despair. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Everything depends on a good job - strong families, strong communities, the pursuit of the American dream, and a tax base to support schools for our kids and services for our seniors. ~ Bob Taft

I am glad to be going. This is the lonesomest pace in the world? ~ William Howard Taft

In this age of the electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Yes, as we travel through this topsy-turvy, sinful world, filled with temptations and problems, we are humbled by the expectancy of death, the uncertainty of life, and the power and love of God. Sadness comes to all of us in the loss of loved ones.
But there is gratitude also. Gratitude for the assurance we have that life is eternal. Gratitude for the great gospel plan, given freely to all of us. Gratitude for the life, teachings, and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose resurrection we will commemorate in the immediate days ahead ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Rights are either God-given as part of the divine plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend unused one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

It is a fundamental truth that the responsibilities of motherhood cannot be successfully delegated. No, not to day-care centers, not to schools, not to nurseries, not to babysitters. We become enamored with men's theories such as the idea of preschool training outside the home for young children. Not only does this put added pressure on the budget, but it places young children in an environment away from mother's influence. Too often the pressure for popularity, on children and teens, places an economic burden on the income of the father, so mother feels she must go to work to satisfy her children's needs. That decision can be most shortsighted. It is mother's influence during the crucial formative years that forms a child's basic character. Home is the place where a child learns faith, feels love, and thereby learns from mother's loving example to choose righteousness. How vital are mother's influence and teaching in the home - and how apparent when neglected! ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The proud do not change to improve, but defend their position by rationalizing. Repentance means change, and it takes a humble person to change. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

A father's calling is eternal and its importance transcends time. It is a calling for both time and eternity. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Fear of men's judgment manifests itself in competition for men's approval. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The man [who] is greatest and most blessed and joyful [is one] whose life most closely approaches the pattern of Christ. This has nothing to do with earthly wealth, power, or prestige. The only true test of greatness, blessedness, joyfulness is how close can a life come to being like the Master, Jesus Christ. He is the right way, the full truth, and the abundant life. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

You really have to get to know Dewey to dislike him. ~ Robert Taft

The intoxication of power rapidly sobers off in the knowledge of its restrictions and under the prompt reminder of an ever-present and not always considerate press, as well as the kindly suggestions that not infrequently come from Congress. ~ William Howard Taft

The real secrets of Masonry are never told, not even from mouth to ear. For the real secret of Masonry is spoken to your heart and from it to the heart of your brother. Never the language made for tongue may speak it, it is uttered only in the eye in those manifestations of that love which a man has for his friend, which passeth all other loves. ~ William Howard Taft

Physical well-being is not only a priceless asset to oneself-it is a heritage to be passed on. With good health, all other activities of life are greatly enhanced. A clean mind in a healthy body enables one to render far more effective service to others. It helps one provide more vigorous leadership. It gives our every experience in life more zest and more meaning. Robust health is a noble and worthwhile attainment. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

A young woman who knows and loves the Book of Mormon, who has read it several times, who has an abiding testimony of its truthfulness, and who applies its teachings will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The so-called civil rights movement as it exists today is used as a Communist program for revolution in America. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Now, brethren, do not expect perfection in your choice of a mate. Do not be so particular that you overlook her most important qualities of having a strong testimony, living the principles of the gospel, loving home, wanting to be a mother in Zion, and supporting you in your priesthood responsibilities.
Of course, she should be attractive to you ...
And one good yardstick as to whether a person might be the right one for you is this: in her presence, do you think your noblest thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, do you wish you were better than you are? ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The moral code of Heaven for both men and women is complete chastity before marriage and full fidelity after marriage. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Besides the physical ordinance of baptism and the laying on of hands, one must be spiritually born again to gain exaltation and eternal life. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

God loves us. He's watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we'll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew it, there are heavenly hosts pulling for us
friends in heaven that we can't rememer now, who yearn for our victory. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

There is no legislation
I care not what it is
tariff, railroads, corporations, or of a general political character, that all equals in importance the putting of our banking and currency system on the sound basis proposed in the National Monetary Commission plan. ~ William Howard Taft

Woman was given to man as an helpmeet. That complementary association is ideally portrayed in the eternal marriage of our first parents - Adam and Eve. They labored together; they had children together; they prayed together; and they taught their children the gospel together. This is the pattern God would have all righteous men and women imitate. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

I challenge those who are in business and other professions to see that there are copies of the Book of Mormon in their reception rooms. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

The responsibility of a man is to lead his family. ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Marriage ... is the most glorious and most exalting principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. No ordinance is of more importance and none more sacred and more necessary to the eternal joy of man. Faithfulness to the marriage covenant brings the fullest joy here and glorious rewards hereafter. ~ Ezra Taft Benson