THP: President Calvin Coolidge it is my privilege to interview you and have you share your insights with our readers. Let’s get right to the questions.
THP: How can a person improve themself?
Mr. Coolidge: All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.
THP: How do you feel about the nickname you were given, “Silent Cal”?
“I have never been hurt by what I have not said.”
Mr. Coolidge: The words of a President have an enormous weight and ought not to be used indiscriminately. I have never been hurt by what I have not said. You can’t know too much, but you can say too much.
THP: You have a lot of knowledge about critics. 🙂 What is the key to pushing through those voices and distractions?
Mr. Coolidge: I have found it advisable not to give too much heed to what people say when I am trying to accomplish something of consequence. Invariably they proclaim it can’t be done. I deem that the very best time to make the effort. If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me I cannot see any way in which I would ever have made progress.
THP: I understand, but at the same time, distractions can influence us greatly. Sometimes those very distractions paralyze our efforts. How do we keep our focus?
“…don’t be a stand-patter”
Mr.Coolidge: Do the day’s work. If it be to protect the rights of the weak, whoever objects, do it. If it be to help a powerful corporation better to serve the people, whatever the opposition, do that. Expect to be called a stand-patter, but don’t be a stand-patter. Expect to be called a demagogue, but don’t be a demagogue. Don’t hesitate to be as revolutionary as science. Don’t hesitate to be as reactionary as the multiplication table.
THP: What had the most influence on your success? What could you share with the readers that might guide them in reaching their goals?
“Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Mr. Coolidge: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
End-
Live it LOUD!
P.S. “Those who trust to chance must abide by the results of chance.”
~ John Calvin Coolidge, Jr.