Harry S. Truman: Money & Power

Harry S. Truman Money Quote saying women, money and power put character at risk for a man. Harry S. Truman said:
 

“Three things ruin a man: power, money, and women. I never wanted power. I never had any money, and the only woman in my life is up at the house right now” — Harry S. Truman

In this humorous quote, former U.S. President Harry Truman seems to be jokingly commenting on how he avoided corruption or downfall through the three things he identified as potentially ruinous – power, money, and women. By stating he never wanted power, never had money, and the only woman in his life was his wife, Truman appears to be using lighthearted self-deprecation and irony to suggest he steered clear of the pitfalls others may have faced due to those temptations.

The quote portrays Truman as someone who approached public service with modest means and priorities, focused on his marriage rather than other potential distractions. Overall, the tone seems to be one of amusing reflection rather than serious proclamation, as Truman poked fun at himself and his unpretentious background and lifestyle.

Birthday: May 8, 1884 – Death: December 26, 1972

Harry Truman: A Recession or Depression?

Harry Truman Money Quote saying it’s tough to tell when tough economic times turn to terrible depression – but one way to tell is if you are still employed. Harry Truman said:
 

 

It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own — Harry Truman

In this quote, former U.S. President Harry Truman seems to be distinguishing between a recession and a depression based on personal experience and impact. By saying a recession is when one’s “neighbor loses his job” while a depression is when “you lose your own,”

Truman is suggesting that recessions affect communities from an outside perspective, while depressions touch individuals directly through their own job loss or financial hardship. The quote implies recessions are more broadly felt economic downturns, whereas depressions represent severe recessions that hit home on a personal level.

Overall, Truman appears to be employing a folksy saying to highlight how the severity of economic conditions can be understood differently depending on whether one is directly impacted through one’s own circumstances or observing impacts on others.

Birthday: May 8, 1884 – Death: December 26, 1972

Harry S. Truman: GOP Buying Government

Harry S. Truman Money Quote saying with humor that Republicans admire the government enough to purchase all the deals they can. Harry S. Truman said:
 

 

“They [Republicans] admire the Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it” — Harry S. Truman

In this quote, former U.S. President Harry Truman seems to be criticizing the Republican party’s stance on the role and scope of government. By stating Republicans admire the U.S. government so much that they want to “buy it,” Truman appears to be implying that Republicans view government more as a business to be owned and controlled for profit-seeking purposes, rather than as an institution meant to serve the public interest.

The quote suggests Truman felt Republicans saw government primarily through a commercial lens focused on ownership and returns, rather than from a perspective of public service. Overall, Truman seems to be employing sarcasm to argue Republicans had an overly transactional view of governance that prioritized private gain over citizens’ needs.

Birthday: May 8, 1884 – Death: December 26, 1972