WIST Quotations

Carlyle, Thomas -- Sartor Resartus, Book 3, ch. 7 (1834)

Dave — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:42:27 +0000

Hero-worship exists, has existed, and will forever exist, universally among mankind.

Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) Scottish essayist and historian
Sartor Resartus, Book 3, ch. 7 (1834)
(Source)

Quoting Herr Teufelsdröckh.

This passage first appeared in Fraser's Magazine for Town and Country, Vol. 10, No. 55 (1834-07).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:06:45 +0000

Admiration is the Daughter of Ignorance.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Johnson, Lyndon -- Editorial (1929-07-17), Southwest Texas State Teachers College College Star, San Marcos

Dave — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:45:46 +0000

Down with the debunking biographer. It now seems to be quite a thing to pull down the mighty from their seats and roll them in the mire. This practice deserves pronounced condemnation. Hero worship is a tremendous force in uplifting and strengthening. Humanity, let us have our heroes. Let us continue to believe that some have been truly great; that it lies within human ability to overcome temptations and trials; that it is sublime to suffer and be strong. Petty biographers with inferior souls and jealous hearts would rob us of these happy privileges. Sensationalism is alright for yellow journalism, but in biography we wish to see our famous men and women as they were and feel the power of the strength and beauty of their lives. Down with the debunking biographer.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) American politician, educator, US President (1963-69)
Editorial (1929-07-17), Southwest Texas State Teachers College College Star, San Marcos

Quoted, in parts, in William C. Pool, Emmie Craddock, David Eugene Conrad, Lyndon Baines Johnson: The Formative Years, ch. 6 (1965) and Doris Kearns Goodwin, Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream, ch. 2 (1976).