Quotes to remember during times of political tension

January 14, 2021

Angela Kelley

We are living in a time that may feel like unprecedented political turmoil, but there have been larger cracks in America’s political structure before, like the American Revolution, the U.S. Civil War, protests during the Vietnam War, and racial tensions in the last century just to name a few.

Throughout history, there have been observant and astute leaders who have lived through extraordinary times and have some advice for us that we might be able to use today. We’ve found five of them.

“The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.”

George Washington
Farewell Address 1796

“I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot.”