Differences and uneven distribution of wealth are the most common and persistent sources of conflict.

(James Madison 1787)

The mere absence of war is not peace. The mere absence of recession is not development.

(John F. Kennedy's speech on January 4, 1963)

The rich rarely possess the qualities of humility, cleverness, and kindness. Their wealth always makes them stingy and selfish.

(John Adams' diary, March 5, 1773)

The farmer's son, dissatisfied with his father's simple and hard life, joined the group that wanted to get rich easily. competition.

(Grover Cleveland, State of the Union Address, December 3, 1988)

For me, the most enjoyable occupation is working the soil.

(Thomas Jefferson’s 1811 letter)

The atmosphere of commerce is incompatible with purity of heart and nobility of spirit, and without purity and nobility of soul there would be no democracy and peace. happiness of the country.

(Letter of John Adams, April 16, 1776)

I sincerely hope that the choice you hint at (elected President) will not befall me. . . . If I were forced to accept it, I beg Heaven to witness, it would be the greatest sacrifice of personal affection and will that I could make in my life.

(Letter from George Washington, October 26, 1788)

Although I am extremely willing to respond to the call of my country and serve it, I dare not hope to live up to its high expectations. .

When I took office as the head of government, I felt like a criminal going to the execution ground.

(Letter of George Washington, 1789)

It is with deep regret and pain that I have been thrust into a position which is suitable for others but not for which I have sought. It's a bit of a relief to know that this difficulty is something only I know.

(Franklin Pierce's Inaugural Address, March 4, 1853)

Tonight I am a private citizen, tomorrow I will be called upon to assume new responsibilities, and the day after tomorrow I will be called upon to assume new responsibilities. , the wave of anger from all over the world will rush towards us overwhelmingly.

(James Garfield Speech, July 25, 1891)

Duty and embarrassment, heartbreaking and powerless pain, are at any time among those to whom we are forced to entrust great responsibilities. Possible scandals and crimes, and the thousands of other annoyances that trouble us, make us leave this illustrious place without hesitation, and return to our humble but happy home, where we can be free, unfettered, and safe. of heaven and earth.

(Rutherford Hayes's diary, January 16, 1881)

I would rather be shut up in a wretched cabin, with my books, family, and A few old friends ate poor bacon and allowed the outside world to develop on its own, unwilling to accept the most glorious position that any power could give.

(Thomas Jefferson’s 1789 letter)