Richard Nixon on Hate, Fear, and the Cost of Control
“Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.”
— Richard Nixon
Nixon understood this truth but couldn’t live by it.
It wasn’t hatred that destroyed him so much as fear, fear of losing control, of humiliation, of appearing weak. That fear hardened into resentment, and resentment justified secrecy, retaliation, and the tightening grip that became Watergate.
His downfall wasn’t only political; it was emotional. He mistook suspicion for strength and control for character. He believed resilience meant never yielding — when real strength might have been transparency and humility.
Nixon’s tragedy reminds us how easy it is to betray our own wisdom. He saw clearly that hatred destroys the self, yet could not escape the emotions that mirrored it: defensiveness, distrust, and pride.
In the end, what destroyed him wasn’t his enemies; it was the story he told himself about them.
Interesting Nixon Quotes
“The greatness comes not when things always go well for you. But the greatness comes when you’re tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes.”
“Remarks on Departure From the White House.”
“Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. I’d appreciate it if you could find another way. And don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines.”
Richard Nixon Quote
Reflections on Life, Kindness, Nature, and Growth – A Quote Collection
Life isn’t just made up of big moments—it’s shaped by small insights, quiet reflections, and the quotes that stay with us long after we read them. This collection of original thoughts captures the beauty in nature, the value of kindness, the mystery of life, and the art of becoming. Some are philosophical, some practical—each one a window into something meaningful. Read slowly, reflect deeply, and take with you what resonates.
🌱 On Nature and Beauty
"Nature brings us beauty as a filter for our minds and thoughts."
"The beauty of nature is felt first by the soul."
"Flowers are accessories added by the creator to what was already a masterpiece."
"If your world is black and white, add flowers."
"The sunset brings color and delight to a day of thoughts. Thoughts follow Light."
"Some flowers blush, sensing their beauty and the love they feel from us."
"When leaves turn bright colors in the fall, they make one last effort to compete with the flowers."
🤝 On Kindness and Service
"Kindness is not an intellectual decision. It is one the heart makes without any motive."
"You don’t need a good reason to be kind. It would be best if you were kind."
"Service and kindness are universal needs in the world today. It surpasses the need for food."
"Down the road or across the street are people living in need—some alone with no one who cares for them."
"Kindness is reflected in our art, poetry, and communication. Our actions become the canvas on which we put our feelings."
"The heart knows what the soul feels, but you must take a step forward for it to make any difference."
✍️ On Writing and Creativity
“Write about the details, in detail.”
"Writing Thoughts: Stop, Look, Listen, and then write it down, and you will always have it."
"When you think of all that goes into what you write, you realize that only you see all that is needed."
"Reading qualifies and counts as experience, in my book."
"Dream your story and then write your story. Live your dream."
"The greatest Art is not created; it is found."
🔄 On Change and Growth
"Nothing in life is guaranteed except change, and I guess that could change."
"Spring, again and again, each year gives life meaning and points the way to living life to the fullest daily."
"Keep learning as long as you are here in this life because when you go, your knowledge is the only thing you can take."
"You are. Therefore, you think."
"Do we know, or is this only a Rhetorical Question? Consider that we never gain all knowledge."
"All knowledge is connected to more knowledge."
💖 On Family, Love, and Legacy
"Families help us learn what unconditional love is."
"How we feel about our families teaches us and helps us know the importance of feeling."
"Love is infused into the child first, and then the child learns to love."
"Receiving unconditional love is safer with animals. Maybe it makes giving it as a human easier."
"Strong men cry. Stronger men cry or laugh with them."
"Dad’s works make you understand what a grownup is. When you become a dad, send a good message."
🧭 On Life Lessons and Truth
"Now is always important."
"Today is the “Best Day Ever” – it might as well be your favorite quote. It is all you have."
"All life matters and has a noble purpose of its own."
"A man cannot own the earth. It can be used on a loan. We have stewardship of the land."
"Old, often rusted automobiles have stories to tell. Some try to hide under the rust or dirt. The stories are still there."
"Rationalization precedes personal private indulgences. No good thought goes unrewarded."
"Be yourself and see who you find."
🧘 On Philosophy and Reflection
"I think therefore I am. Really? Maybe the truth is, 'You are. Therefore, you think.'"
"Solutions to puzzles often require the recognition of patterns. Life is a puzzle!"
"Stand in the Light if you want to cast a shadow."
"We reflect the color of our thoughts."
"Roots of value have to be below the surface in healthy soil."
"When it is all said and done, all you have left is who you are."
🐘 On Nature’s Deeper Lessons
"If an elephant can grieve for the loss of a child or companion... humanity owes it the respect not to hunt them."
"Protect these precious creations."
"Appreciate Nature. It Lives. All Life Matters."
🕯️ Closing Reflection
Quotes are more than just words—they’re moments of clarity, captured. If even one of these stayed with you, then they’ve done their job. Feel free to revisit, share, or reflect on them again. The beauty of thought is that it grows every time we return to it.
Lewis Carroll Quotes →
One of the most significant themes in Alice in Wonderland is the importance of embracing your true self. Looking at ourselves to find the real reality of who we are seems to be the objective of much of Carroll’s work.
Lewis Carroll Quotes
“Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.”
“Everything is funny if you can laugh at it.”
“It's no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then.”
“I'm not strange, weird, off, or crazy; my reality is just different from yours.”
“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't.
“And contrary-wise, what is it? It wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there”.
“The Walrus said, “ the time has come,” to talk of many things: of shoes and ships - and sealing wax - of cabbages and kings.’
Think Before You Speak and Read Before You Think →
Please save your words until you give them some thought. Thoughts are ideas, beliefs, and perceptions in our minds, while words are the verbal or written expressions of those thoughts.
Empower yourself by making the conscious choice to read before you think and speak. This simple act consistently enhances our cognitive processes, exercising our brains and sharpening our critical thinking and analytical skills. Your words become a powerful tool to underline and reinforce your thoughts, giving you a sense of control over your cognitive processes.
Another reason to read before you think is that the brain may still need to register or process your reading with some deliberate focus. This strategy, often referred to as 'reading before you believe', is a practice that makes sense and holds significant benefits. It involves reading and understanding a concept or idea before accepting it as true, thereby enhancing your brain's ability to register and process information, and improving critical thinking skills.
Engaging in focused reading is not just a prerequisite for critical thinking but a powerful catalyst that compels you to approach information from various perspectives, leverage your existing knowledge, challenge facts, spot issues, propose remedies, establish links between the text and the real world, and substantiate your viewpoints with tangible examples. In essence, it's a comprehensive workout for your cognitive muscles, much like how physical exercise strengthens and tones your body. It is not merely a prerequisite for critical thinking but a dynamic process that compels you to approach information from various perspectives, challenge facts, and establish links between the text and the real world. It’s a comprehensive workout for your cognitive muscles, with you as the active participant.
Is reading a form of thinking or just an aid to comprehension? The answer lies in the understanding that reading is not just a passive act of comprehension but an active process that stimulates and enhances thinking. Reading comprehension is about understanding what has been read and engaging with the text, making you an integral and active part of the process.
Reading and writing are not just activities; they are powerful tools that can help you improve your analytical thinking. By exposing you to various perspectives and analysis methods, they broaden your intellectual horizons and enhance your ability to critically evaluate information. They are resources of significant importance, enhancing your thinking abilities and broadening your intellectual horizons. By appreciating these tools, you can maximize their potential for your cognitive development.
Speaking is declarative. It solidifies thoughts. When one’s thoughts are out for all to hear, the speaker is best served if the audience understands what is being said. If your reading precedes your speaking and thinking, you can experience a broader input range.
Thoughts That Should be Quotes →
The Power of Thoughtful Living
Thoughts come first. Before we act, before we speak, before we change—there’s a spark inside that begins with a thought. These quiet beginnings shape how we see the world and how we respond to it. Often born from emotion, our thoughts can steer us toward joy, grief, clarity, or confusion. They are the invisible architects of our choices.
But not all actions are thoughtful. Sometimes, we react—not because we’ve reflected, but because we’ve been triggered by fear, habit, or pain. In those moments, we risk repeating cycles instead of breaking them.
That’s where reflection comes in. When we pause long enough to ask why we feel what we feel, we reclaim control. We stop living on autopilot and start growing with intention. It’s not emotion alone that fuels personal growth—it’s the courage to think deeply, to act with integrity, and to let our values lead the way.
Relevant Reflections:
“If you live for others, others will live for you.”
“I've got your back.”
“Personal Development Matters.”
“Now is always important.”
“Every time I open my mouth, I reinvent myself
Quotes by Author Brent M. Jones →
“Embrace the influence of your work, and your work will be your masterpiece.”
“Every time I open my mouth, I reinvent myself.”
"The goodness of people is often blurred each day. The life story reveals what's in the way."
"If your world is black and white, add flowers."
“
Viktor Frankl Quotes →
“An abnormal reaction to an abnormal situation is normal behavior.” - Quote by Viktor Frankl Man's Search For Ultimate Meaning
In other words, it would be very difficult to react “normally” to some of the horrific results that happen in the world almost daily. .
Other Quotes
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.”
“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.”― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”― Victor Frankl
“Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude.”
― Victor Frankl
Change Begins as a Thought or a Question
Most of today’s thoughts are the same as yesterday’s—and that can keep us stuck. Real transformation begins when we shift our mindset. Through affirmations and visualization, we can reprogram our thoughts and unlock the life we truly want.
Read moreThe Art of Choosing the Right Words →
The Art of Choosing the Right Words
To be a powerful communicator, you need more than a good vocabulary—you need a deep desire to be understood. You must intuitively grasp not just what to say, but how to say it so the meaning lands exactly where it’s meant to. This is the skill of the Wordsmith: the ability to select words with precision, purpose, and emotional resonance.
Words are never neutral. Whether spoken or written, they shape how we feel, what we understand, and how we relate to one another. A single phrase can lift someone’s spirit, shift a mindset, or start a movement. Words reveal us, define us, and leave a trace of who we are in the minds of others.
“Attitude clarifies the meaning of words.” – Brent M. Jones
Great communicators don’t just throw words into the world—they craft them with care. They understand that the right word has power, while the almost right one can confuse, mislead, or fall flat.
“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.” – Mark Twain
They also know that restraint matters—that silence can speak volumes, and that grand language loses meaning when used carelessly.
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain
“Don’t use words too big for the subject.” – C.S. Lewis
“Words without thoughts never to heaven go.” – Shakespeare
“False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.” – Socrates
“I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.” – Mark Twain
Every word you choose builds a bridge—or a barrier. The more intentional you are, the more impact you’ll make.
Why Literature Still Matters
Literature is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. More than words on a page, it is a living art form that recreates the world, challenges our perspectives, and connects us across centuries.
Read more25 Simple Compelling John Steinbeck Quotes →
Steinbeck's writing style mirrors his characters. He writes as the characters would speak. That simple approach is found in his quotes, but the messages imparted, like those from his books, are compelling.
“Maybe everybody in the whole damn world is scared of each other.”
“All great and precious things are lonely.”
“Now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.”
“There ain't no sin, and there ain't no virtue.
“In the people’s souls, the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy for the vintage.”
What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?
A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ.
“Now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
“I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen.”
“All great and precious things are lonely.”
“And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this, I would fight for the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this, I must fight against any idea, religion, or government that limits or destroys the individual. This is what I am and what I am about.”
“I was born lost and take no pleasure in being found.”
“It's so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”
“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why.”
“You can boast about anything if it’s all you have. Maybe the less you have, the more you are required to boast.”
“He had an idea that even when beaten, he could steal a little victory by laughing at defeat.”
“Perhaps the best conversationalist in the world is the man who helps others talk.”
“No one wants advice – only corroboration.”
“I believe a strong woman may be stronger than a man, particularly if she happens to have love in her heart. I guess a loving woman is indestructible.”
“I guess there are never enough books.”
“It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.”
“Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts ... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.”
“Sometimes a man wants to be stupid if it lets him do a thing his cleverness forbids.”
“I guess this is why I hate governments. It is always the rule, the fine print, carried out by the fine print men.
“There's nothing to fight, no wall to hammer with frustrated fists.”
“No one young is ever going to be old.”
Why good Book Covers are so important →
The book covers the most crucial marketing factor to your book's success. You're mistaken if you believe that books are not judged by their covers. Book covers create the first impression for a potential buyer or reader. It helps sell a book by making the contents immediately known.
Of course, the cover can create confusion. That is partly why publishers started putting the words “A Novel” on the book cover because they realized that sometimes people needed to be reassured that the book was something they were familiar with.
Publishers recognize the value of creating that first impression to ensure a book's success. When using larger publishers, authors rarely have the right to have approval over the covers and even have to work to get the right for consultation in their contracts.
Who designs book covers? The answer to that question is that with larger professional publishers, the author does not create the surface and the ideas and goals from the body come from a publisher invested in selling the book.
A great book cover if I do say so myself
Hamlet offered no thoughts, only words, in his prayers →
Shakespeare had the King in Hamlet on his knees, offering the words that explained his actions, but were of little value. The King had sinned and knelt in prayer, to no avail, saying:
“My words fly up, My thoughts remain below: Words without thoughts never to heaven go.”
“Oh, my crime is so rotten it stinks to heaven. It bears the mark of Cain, a brother’s murder. I can’t pray, though I want to desperately. My guilt is stronger even than my intentions. And like a person with two opposite things to do at once, I stand paralyzed and neglect them both. So what if this cursed hand of mine is coated with my brother’s blood? Isn’t there enough rain in heaven to wash it clean as snow? Isn’t that what God’s mercy is for? And doesn’t prayer serve these two purposes—to keep us from sinning and bring us forgiveness when we sin? So I’ll pray. I’ve already committed my sin. But, oh, what kind of prayer is there for me? “Dear Lord, forgive me for my horrible murder?”
Good Literature makes you think and feel about others →
Good literature invites us to think more deeply, feel more fully, and understand the emotions of others.
It opens our eyes to new perspectives and transports us to different times and places, sparking thoughts and images that linger. At its best, literature connects us to enduring truths—those shared beliefs and questions that have shaped society across generations.
Whether written today or centuries ago, good writing still resonates. It moves us, teaches us, and—above all—reminds us what it means to be human.
As C.S. Lewis once reflected:
“The good of literature is that we want to be more than ourselves.
We want to see with others’ eyes, to imagine with other imaginations,
to feel with other hearts as well as our own.” (paraphrased)
Thoughts about "Bag Men by Rachel Maddow". →
Tuesday, December 8th, 2020. -The Release Date.
THE SUBTITLE IS THE WILD CRIMES, AUDACIOUS COVER-UP, AND SPECTACULAR DOWNFALL OF A BRAZEN CROOK IN THE WHITE HOUSE, and the Categories are Domestic Politics | 20th Century U.S. History. “Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz expanded on their podcast and then wrote the book.
Ali Velshi, a well-known MSNBC newsman, said of Rachael Maddow and Fareed Zakaria, a CNN newsman-journalist, that they were the two most intelligent people he had known.
This is not a review because I have yet to read the book, but it presents some initial thoughts of interest found in the promotional materials on the book. Some studies have already been released; one I found interesting was the one below.
“Through remarkable investigative work and engaging storytelling, Maddow and Yarvitz reveal previously unknown challenges faced by the brave federal prosecutors who brought Spiro Agnew to justice and waited five decades to share their candid reminiscences. Bag Man delivers a powerful and timeless lesson about America’s enduring principles while demonstrating that the final verdict of history may differ from self-interested contemporary accounts and highlighting how much the rule of law depends upon the character of the people who enforce it.”—Rod J. Rosenstein, former U.S. Deputy Attorney General
Not Forgiving Others Only Hurts Yourself →
Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.
The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you. But working on forgiveness can lessen that act's grip on you. It can help free you from the control of the person who harmed you. Sometimes, forgiveness might even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
What’s the saying? “Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die”
- Lisa Genova from the new book, 'EVERY NOTE PLAYED"
Thoughts from Every Note Played
“The thought of Richard having to be left with nothing but these unresolved issues, and only the blink of an eye to communicate, and hope to resolve them, is an additional level of terror that this disease offers. Somehow, they do find some resolution.
It might be possible that ALS was the only way he really had to resolve his bigger life issues but then that seems something beyond fair.”
Steve Martin says he likes books in the ‘I Can’t Put This Down’ Genre. →
Similar Book Thoughts
The actor and comedian, whose new book with Harry Bliss is “A Wealth of Pigeons,” says that “bookstores could easily have only two sections, ‘Riveting’ and ‘Kind of Boring?
Books-You-Can’t-Put-Down is called “Page Turners.”
Someone said: I have a thousand books on my nightstand, but they’re all on my phone. I’m addicted to audiobooks. (Big Nightstand?)
What’s the last great book you read? (Good Ice Breaker)
Someone also said: I was thinking recently how “Future Crimes,” by Marc Goodman, helped me develop a grasp of the internet and gave an indication of what we’re possibly in for and what is already happening. When this was written, this followed: To be modern, you have to read this book.
Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time? …………….No, but I re-read Moby Dick again and liked it.
Richard Nixon's quote, leaving office, expresses what drove him from office! →
“Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.”
Hate drove him from office but forced him to do the things he was impeached for. Hatred is an angry or resentful emotional response to specific people or ideas.
Other Quotes
"The greatness comes not when things always go well for you. But the greatness comes when you’re tested when you take some knocks, some disappointments when sadness comes."
"What starts the process are laughs, slights, and snubs when you are a kid. If your anger is deep and strong, you learn that you can change those attitudes by excellence, personal gut performance."
I can see now... that I was wrong in not acting more decisively and forthrightly in dealing with Watergate."
"Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. I’d appreciate it if you could find another way. And don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines."
See the Review of this book below.
Upton Sinclair wrote "The Jungle" as a Social Protest →
Social protests have been a powerful tool for political expression throughout history, allowing individuals and groups to collectively voice their concerns and seek change. Whether it is for social or political reasons, these protest are to seek to bring about change by influencing public opinion, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as the policies of organizations and institutions.
While peaceful protests are a fundamental right in many societies, they can also be met with resistance, underscoring the need for responsible and respectful protest practices. Social protests are an essential means of expressing dissent and promoting social progress.n
Upton Sinclair Quotes
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”
“I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident, I hit it in the stomach.”
“Fascism” is capitalism plus murder.”
“All art is propaganda. It is universally and inescapably propaganda; sometimes unconsciously, but often deliberately, propaganda.”
