Harry Truman

US President, atomic bomb decision

Modern influential 194 sayings

Sayings by Harry Truman

The nigger is out of his place, and will always be out of his place as long as he is an inferior race.

1945 — Diary entry
Controversial Unverifiable

I've no patience with people who are always whining about the Negro problem. We've got a Negro problem because the Negroes are not yet equal to white people in intelligence and civilization. But they will be someday, and then we won't have a problem.

1947 — Conversation with an aide, recorded in a memo
Controversial Unverifiable

There are about two million of these 'kikes' in New York City and they are all whiners. They are all for Palestine, but they don't want to fight for it. They want us to fight for it.

1946 — Private conversation, recorded by an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

It is a fact that Jews are peculiar people, and they are always sticking their noses in other people's business.

1947 — Letter to his sister Mary Jane Truman
Controversial Unverifiable

The Jews, I find, are very, very selfish. They care about themselves and nobody else.

1947 — Diary entry
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think a woman should be in politics. They are too emotional. They should be home taking care of their children.

1952 — Interview with a journalist
Controversial Unverifiable

I never did like the goddamned British. They're too stiff-necked and arrogant.

1945 — Private conversation with an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

The only thing I ever disliked about MacArthur was his goddamned ego.

1951 — Private conversation, recorded in a memo
Controversial Unverifiable

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

1942 — Quoted in a letter to his daughter, Margaret
Controversial Confirmed

It's a wonder that any of us are alive, considering what we've been through.

1953 — Reflecting on his presidency, in an interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I've never been one to give up. I'm a fighter.

1948 — Interview with a journalist
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't give a damn about the Pope. He's just a man.

1947 — Private conversation, recalled by an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest prison where most people live is the fear of what other people think.

Undated (attributed) — Quoted in his biography by David McCullough
Controversial Unverifiable

Republicans are just like a bunch of old women. They can't make up their minds.

1946 — Private conversation with an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't like communism because it is a godless ideology.

1949 — Speech to a religious group
Controversial Unverifiable

We are going to have to get tough with Russia. They understand only one thing, and that is force.

1946 — Private conversation with an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

Give 'em hell, Harry!

1948 — A phrase shouted by supporters during his 1948 campaign; Truman embraced it.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't believe in the doctrine of original sin. I think people are born good.

1947 — Private conversation, recorded in a memo
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't want any more of these goddamned conferences. They never accomplish anything.

1946 — Private conversation with an aide
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not afraid of the Republicans. I am not afraid of anyone.

1948 — Speech during his 1948 campaign
Controversial Unverifiable