Richard Nixon was a master prognosticator. The observations he offers in his books remain as relevant as the day he wrote them.
Here are 10 quotes that to consider in modern times:
The American press could make a major contribution to improving the American system by restoring perspective and balance to its coverage. Examining public figures with a media microscope is justifiable. Using a proctoscope goes too far.Beyond Peace (1994)
Cultural barriers should be leveled, but not the cultures themselves. We should not try to be alike. We should respect and learn from our differences.Seize the Moment (1992)
No one should enter politics today unless he is prepared for brutal media exposure. To an extent, this has always been the case. But the influence of television and the glorification of investigative reporters have led to increased emphasis on the trivial, the lurid, even the irrelevant at the expense of discussion of major issues.Seize the Moment (1992)
Many lament the proliferation of big money and influence-peddling in Washington. This focuses on the symptom, not the cause of the problem. High-powered lobbyists go to Washinton because of the vast expansion of government into every sector of society and the economy. Without significant retrenchment in the scope of government, lobbying and big money will be here to stay, simply because Washington is where the action is.Beyond Peace (1994)
At a time when the challenges of life are greater than ever, why deprive ourselves of that power? At a time when it is so fashionable to talk about the terrible mess man has made of the world, why do so many intellectuals assume that man alone, without the guidance of God, is capable of fixing it?In the Arena (1990)
Great leadership is a unique form of art, requiring both force and vision to an extraordinary degree.Leaders (1982)
The greatest lesson of the technological revolution is a simple one: Only people can solve the problems people create. Technology can solve material problems but not political ones. One of the greatest challenges of the next century will be to stop marveling over and luxuriating in our technological prowess and start putting it to work in our efforts to manage the profound differences that remain—and always will remain—between peoples who believe in diametrically opposed ideologies.1999: Victory Without War (1998)
Throughout history many of the worst atrocities have been perpetrated in the name of the highest ideals. Passion is a poor guide to policy.The Real War (1980)
The easiest period in a crisis situation is actually the battle itself. The most difficult is the period of indecision—whether to fight or run away. And the most dangerous period is the aftermath. It is then, with all his resources spent and his guard down, that an individual must watch out for dulled reactions and faulty judgment.Six Crises (1962)
Real pride comes not from avoiding the fray but from being in the middle of it, fighting for our principles, our interests, and our friends.1999: Victory Without War (1998)