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Adlai Stevenson

73quotes

Adlai Stevenson: A Life of Diplomacy, Politics, and Visionary Leadership


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Adlai Ewing Stevenson II was an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, and writer. He is commonly known as "Addie" or "The Happy Warrior."

Birth and Death Dates


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Born: February 5, 1900, in Los Angeles, California
 Died: July 14, 1965, in London, England

Nationality and Profession(s)


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American; politician (U.S. Senator and Governor of Illinois), diplomat (U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations), lawyer, and writer.

Early Life and Background


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Adlai Stevenson was born into a prominent family in Los Angeles, California. His father, Adlai Ewing Stevenson I, was a newspaper editor and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois. The younger Stevenson grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, where he attended public schools and developed an interest in politics at an early age.

Stevenson attended the University of Chicago and later transferred to Princeton University, where he graduated with honors in 1921. He then earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1926. After serving as a lawyer in private practice, Stevenson became involved in politics, eventually serving as a U.S. Senator from Illinois from 1935 to 1953.

Major Accomplishments


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During World War II, Stevenson served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and played a key role in drafting the Lend-Lease Act. In 1944, he ran for Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt but lost to Harry Truman.

After the war, Stevenson continued to serve in the Senate until 1953, when he was appointed Governor of Illinois by Republican voters, who were dissatisfied with their own party's candidate. As governor, Stevenson implemented various reforms and improvements to the state's education system.

In 1952 and again in 1956, Stevenson ran for President as a Democrat, losing both times to Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1961, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations by President John F. Kennedy.

Notable Works or Actions


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Drafted the Lend-Lease Act during World War II
 Served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Ran for Vice President and President twice (1944 and 1952, 1956)
 Appointed Governor of Illinois in 1953
Served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1961 until his death

Impact and Legacy


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Adlai Stevenson's impact on American politics and international relations was significant. He played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during World War II, and his diplomatic service helped to promote peace and understanding around the world.

Stevenson's commitment to public service and his dedication to improving education and social welfare policies have made him a beloved figure in American politics. His leadership style, which emphasized vision, compassion, and integrity, continues to inspire politicians and citizens alike.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Adlai Stevenson's quotes and writings are widely quoted because of their insight into the human condition, politics, and diplomacy. His speeches and writings often reflected his passion for justice, equality, and peace. Some of his most famous quotes include:

"The people of Illinois are not afraid to think; they are not afraid to act."
"Politics is a contest between two men who want to be president, but the country doesn't care which one it gets."
 "I know that I am not going to win this election. But I don't care."

Stevenson's legacy as a visionary leader and statesman continues to inspire Americans today, making him one of the most widely quoted and remembered figures in American history.

Quotes by Adlai Stevenson

Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff and then print the chaff.
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Newspaper editors are men who separate the wheat from the chaff and then print the chaff.
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My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.
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My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular.
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It reminds me of the small boy who jumbled his biblical quotations and said: A lie is an abomination unto the Lord, and a very present help in trouble.'
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It reminds me of the small boy who jumbled his biblical quotations and said: A lie is an abomination unto the Lord, and a very present help in trouble.'
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If they will stop telling lies about us, we will stop telling the truth about them.
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If they will stop telling lies about us, we will stop telling the truth about them.
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She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness and her glow has warmed the world.
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She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness and her glow has warmed the world.
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I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling falsehood about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.
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I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling falsehood about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.
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The whole basis of the United Nations is the right of all nations—great or small—to have weight, to have a vote, to be attended to, to be a part of the twentieth century.
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The whole basis of the United Nations is the right of all nations—great or small—to have weight, to have a vote, to be attended to, to be a part of the twentieth century.
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The United Nations is like a spade; it is not self-operating. It is what we make of it, for purposes that we can find in common with our neighbors in the world.
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The United Nations is like a spade; it is not self-operating. It is what we make of it, for purposes that we can find in common with our neighbors in the world.
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It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.
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It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts.
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Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
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Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
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