Quotes Library

May 17, 2026

[This was said about Franklin Roosevelt] A second-class intellect. But a first-class temperament.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841-1935), American supreme court justice, 8 March 1933, Jay p.181

MEDITATION: How does your intellect compare to your temperament? Is the former “better” than the latter? Or is vice versa the case? Does that matter?

COMMENTARY: Politics rewards temperament more than intellect. In fact, intellectuals are soon dismissed as “eggheads”.

Holmes saw in Franklin Roosevelt the truth that charm, endurance, and timing often outweigh brilliance. Clever and intelligent people can win arguments; calm people win elections.

Human Nature

More Quotes

August 2, 2026
August 2, 2026
Human Nature
Having nothing to construct, he could always deal with generalities. Being free from responsibility, he was not called upon either to study details or to master even great facts. It was his business to inveigh against existing evils, and perhaps there is no easier business when once the privilege of an audience has been attained.
February 23, 2025
February 23, 2025
Human Nature
One of the greatest pieces of good fortune a man can have is the chance to make something he has done in his own
December 17, 2025
December 17, 2025
Human Nature
Men in high places, from having less personal interest in the characters of others—being safe from them—are commonly less acute observers,
1234…40
Page 2 of 40