WIST

I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one’s wife happy. First, let her think she’s having her way. And second, let her have it.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

I’d rather give my life than be afraid to give it.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

We must open the doors of opportunity. But we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

You do not examine legislation in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered, but in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly administered.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

While you’re saving your face, you’re losing your ass.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

If two men agree on everything, you may be sure that one of them is doing the thinking.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

The best way to kill a new idea is to put it in an old-line agency.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
(Attributed)

Quoted in Rowland Evans, Jr., and Robert Novak, Lyndon B. Johnson (1966)

Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
Address to the UN General Assembly (17 Dec 1963)

I want to make a policy statement. I am unabashedly in favor of women.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
Comment (4 Mar 1964)

On the appointment of ten women to top posts, under his pledge to end a "stag government."

I’d rather give my life than be afraid to give it.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
On the decision to walk in Kennedy’s funeral procession (25 Nov 1963)

I believe that the essence of government lies with unceasing concern for the welfare and dignity and decency and innate integrity of life for every individual. I don’t like to say this and wish I didn’t have to add these words to make it clear but I will — regardless of color, creed, ancestry, sex or age.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
Remarks at civil rights symposium, LBJ Library, Austin, Tex., (12 Dec 1972)

As it was 189 years ago, so today the cause of America is a revolutionary cause. And I am proud this morning to salute you as fellow revolutionaries. Neither you nor I are willing to accept the tyranny of poverty, nor the dictatorship of ignorance, nor the despotism of ill health, nor the oppression of bias and prejudice and bigotry. We want change. We want progress. We want it both abroad and at home — and we aim to get it.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
Remarks to government summer interns (4 Aug 1965)

Every child must be encouraged to get as much education as he has the ability to take. We want this not only for his sake — but for the nation’s sake. Nothing matters more to the future of our country: not military preparedness — for armed might is worthless if we lack the brain power to build a world of peace; not our productive economy — for we cannot sustain growth without trained manpower; not our democratic system of government — for freedom is fragile if citizens are ignorant.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
Special Message to Congress, “Toward Full Educational Opportunity” (12 Jan. 1965)

All I have I would have given gladly not to be standing here today.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973) US President (1963-69)
Speech before Congress (27 Nov 1963)
Five days after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.