Nelson Rockefeller Quotes & Sayings

Politics, of course, requires sweat, work, combat, and organization. But these should not be ugly words for and free people. — Nelson Rockefeller

No man can hope to be elected in his state without being photographed eating a hot dog at Nathan's Famous. — Nelson Rockefeller

The United Nations, he told an audience at Harvard University, 'has not been able-nor can it be able-to shape a new world order which events so compellingly demand.' ... The new world order that will answer economic, military, and political problems, he said, 'urgently requires, I believe, that the United States take the leadership among all free peoples to make the underlying concepts and aspirations of national sovereignty truly meaningful through the federal approach.' — Nelson Rockefeller

Americans will not and should not respond to a political creed that cherishes the past solely because it offers an excuse for shutting out the hard facts and difficult tasks of the present. — Nelson Rockefeller

The chief problem of low-income farmers is poverty. — Nelson Rockefeller

You have a challenge; never quit! — Nelson Rockefeller

Wherever we look upon this earth, the opportunities take shape within the problems. — Nelson Rockefeller

There are three periods in life: youth, middle age and 'how well you look'. — Nelson Rockefeller

America is not just a power, it is a promise. It is not enough for our country to be extraordinary in might; it must be exemplary in meaning. — Nelson Rockefeller

Maybe this Watergate is like the Old Testament. It was visited upon us and maybe were going to benefit from it. — Nelson Rockefeller

I do not believe it right for one group to impose its vision of morality on an entire society. — Nelson Rockefeller

Never forget that the most powerful force on earth is love. — Nelson Rockefeller

It is essential that we enable young people to see themselves as participants in one of the most exciting eras in history, and to have a sense of purpose in relation to it. — Nelson Rockefeller

You can't leave footprints in the sands of time while sitting down. — Nelson Rockefeller

The secret to success is to own nothing, but control everything. — Nelson Rockefeller

As President, I would work toward international creation of a new world order. — Nelson Rockefeller

A man should make all he can, and give all he can. — Nelson Rockefeller

There is no doubt that many expensive national projects may add to our prestige or serve science. But none of them must take precedence over human needs. As long as Congress does not revise its priorities, our crisis is not just material, it is a crisis of the spirit. Considering the city of New York's financial shortfall. — Nelson Rockefeller

The nation-state is becoming less and less competent to perform its international political tasks ... These are some of the reasons pressing us to lead vigorously toward the true building of a new world order. — Nelson Rockefeller

The fundamental question for the United States is how it can cooperate to help meet the basic needs of the people of the hemisphere despite the philosophical disagreements it may have with the nature of particular regimes. It must seek pragmatic ways to help people without necessarily embracing their governments. It should recognize that diplomatic relations are merely practical conveniences and not measures of moral judgment. — Nelson Rockefeller

I am a great believer in planning- economic, social, political, military, total world planning. — Nelson Rockefeller

There are many other possibilities more enlightening than the struggle to become the local doctor's most affluent ulcer case. — Nelson Rockefeller