Adlai Stevenson II Quotes, born February 5, 1900, in Los Angeles, California, was an American politician, diplomat, and orator renowned for his intellectual wit and progressive vision. Serving as the 31st Governor of Illinois (1949–1953), he ran as the Democratic presidential candidate in 1952 and 1956 against Dwight D. Eisenhower, earning praise for his eloquence despite defeats. As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1961–1965), he navigated Cold War tensions with sharp diplomacy. These 15 quotes—sourced from speeches, interviews, and public statements—capture his insights on democracy, leadership, peace, and human progress, reflecting his enduring legacy of principled conviction.
15 Adlai Stevenson II Quotes
- “My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.” (Speech, Detroit, Michigan, October 7, 1952)
- “I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.” (Campaign remark, Fresno, California, September 10, 1952)
- “It’s hard to lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse.” (Speech, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 26, 1952)
- “A hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservation.” (Speech, Democratic National Convention, August 18, 1956)
- “We travel together, passengers on a little spaceship, dependent on its vulnerable reserves of air and soil, all committed, for our safety, to its security and peace.” (Speech, UN Economic and Social Council, July 9, 1965)
- “All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions.” (Speech, New York City, August 28, 1952)
- “You can tell the size of a man by the size of the thing that makes him mad.” (Speech, New York City, August 28, 1952)
- “Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” (Speech, American Legion Convention, New York City, August 27, 1952)
- “He who slings mud generally loses ground.” (Speech, Los Angeles, California, September 11, 1952)
- “I believe in the forgiveness of sin and the redemption of ignorance.” (Interview, Time Magazine, November 1, 1963)
- “Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff, and then print the chaff.” (Speech, Hartford, Connecticut, October 1952)
- “In America, anybody can be president. That’s one of the risks you take.” (Speech, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 26, 1952)
- “On the plains of hesitation lie the blackened bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory lay down to rest, and in resting died.” (Speech, Chicago, Illinois, July 21, 1952)
- “The journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step. So we must never neglect any work of peace within our reach, however small.” (Radio address, September 29, 1952)
- “Let’s talk sense to the American people. Let’s tell them the truth, that there are no gains without pains.” (Address, Democratic National Convention, Chicago, Illinois, July 21, 1952)
Adlai Stevenson II’s quotes are a brilliant fusion of humor, moral clarity, and dedication to democratic ideals, inspiring you to champion truth and courage in public life. Which quote stirs your sense of purpose? Share it below and keep Adlai’s eloquent legacy thriving!
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