"Exploiting people's emotions of fear, envy and anxiety is not hope, it's not change, it's partisanship. We don't need partisanship. We don't need demagoguery, we need solutions."
About Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan — Life and Legacy
Paul Ryan served as the 54th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and is recognized for his commitment to fiscal conservatism and leadership in economic policy. His approach to governance is deeply rooted in the belief that a responsible government should empower individuals rather than dictate their lives. Ryan famously stated, 'The most important thing we can do is to make sure that we are a nation of laws, not of men,' which encapsulates his view that the rule of law is fundamental to a functioning democracy. This perspective reflects his broader philosophy that emphasizes personal accountability and the need for citizens to engage in self-governance. Throughout his career, Ryan has championed policies aimed at reducing the national debt and promoting economic growth. His advocacy for limited government is evident in his assertion that 'government should be a partner, not a parent,' highlighting his belief that individuals thrive best when they are free from excessive government intervention. Ryan's quotes often challenge the status quo, urging a reevaluation of government roles and responsibilities. Today, Ryan's insights continue to resonate in discussions about governance and fiscal policy, as they provoke thought on the balance between government action and individual liberty. His emphasis on accountability and responsible leadership remains relevant in contemporary political discourse.
Quote collection
Paul Ryan quotes (page 1 of 17)
334 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"We don’t want to turn the safety net into a hammock that lulls able-bodied people to lives of dependency and complacency..."
"A free economy and strong communities honor the dignity of every person, rewarding effort with justice, promoting upward mobility, and building solidarity among citizens."
"Big-government economics breeds crony capitalism. It's corrupt, anything but neutral, and a barrier to broad participation in prosperity."
"Having what I call crony capitalism, where you take money from successful small businesses, spend it in Washington on favored industries, on favored individuals, picking winners and losers in the economy, that's not pro-growth economics. That's not entrepreneurial economics. That's not helping small businesses. That's cronyism, that's corporate welfare."
"What matters to me is that I do what I think is right and I see, I'm a numbers guy, that's my attitude. I know we have a debt tsunami coming, we are bankrupting this country and I'm in a position where I can actually advance ideas to prevent that from happening. That's exactly what I should be doing."
"Mr. Vice President, I know you're under a lot of duress to make up for lost ground, but I think people would be better served if we don't keep interrupting each other."
"President Obama clearly cannot run on his record. All he's offering is more of the same. That's not good. Look at the economy. It's stagnating. And so, what they're now going to try and do is bring this campaign down to little things, distractions, distortions, smear, fear, anger, frustration."
"If somebody is going to try to paste a person's view on epistemology to me, then give me Thomas Aquinas. Don't give me Ayn Rand."
"When I was waiting tables, washing dishes, or mowing lawns for money, I never thought of myself as stuck in some station in life. I was on my own path, my own journey, an American journey where I could think for myself, decide for myself, define happiness for myself."
"My Dad, a small-town lawyer, was also named Paul. Until we lost him when I was 16, he was a gentle presence in my life. I like to think he'd be proud of me and my sister and brothers, because I'm sure proud of him and of where I come from, Janesville, Wisconsin."
"President Obama's reckless defense cuts that are hanging over our cloud, hanging over the horizon could put almost 44,000 jobs at stake right here in Pennsylvania. we are not going to let that happen. You know why? Because No. 1, national defense is the first priority of the federal government."
"The people of Wisconsin have been good to me. I've tried to live up to their trust. And now I ask those hardworking men and women, and millions like them across America, to join our cause and get this country working again. When Governor Romney asked me to join the ticket, I said, 'Let's get this done' - and that is exactly, what we're going to do."
"This debt crisis coming to our country. The wall and tidal wave of debt that is befalling our nation. Medicare and Social Security go bankrupt within ten years, we have a debt that is looming so high that in the last year of President Obama's budget just the interest payments on our debt is $916 billion dollars."
"To my great disappointment, it appears that the politics of division are making a big comeback. Many Americans share my disappointment - especially those who were filled with great hope a few years ago, when then-Senator Obama announced his candidacy in Springfield, Illinois."
"Everyone who feels stuck in the Obama economy is right to focus on the here and now. And I hope you understand this too, if you're feeling left out or passed by: You have not failed, your leaders have failed you."
"Are we interested in treating the symptoms of poverty and economic stagnation through income redistribution and class warfare, or do we want to go at the root causes of poverty and economic stagnation by promoting pro-growth policies that promote prosperity?"
"Only by taking responsibility for oneself, to the greatest extent possible, can one ever be free, and only a free person can make responsible choices - between right and wrong, saving and spending, giving or taking."
"And to this day, my Mom is my role model."
"Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together."