We’re like a rich father who wishes he knew how to give his son the hardships that made the father such a man.

Robert Frost (1874–1963) American poet

Comment, “Meet the Press” (22 Mar 1959)

When asked by Ernest Lindley whether American civilization had improved or declined in his lifetime. Often misquoted as "Americans are like a rich father who wishes he knew how to give his son the hardships that made him rich."