“By the time you get dressed, drive out there, play 18 holes and come home, you’ve blown seven hours. There are better things you can do with your time.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“By the time you get dressed, drive out there, play 18 holes and come home, you’ve blown seven hours. There are better things you can do with your time.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon offers a blunt critique of the time-consuming nature of golf, contrasting it with what he saw as more productive uses of one’s day. The phrase “you’ve blown seven hours” conveys a sense of waste and inefficiency, particularly from the perspective of someone who viewed time as a valuable and finite resource. By stating “there are better things you can do with your time,” Nixon emphasizes pragmatism and purpose, consistent with his image as a hard-working, results-driven leader.
Historically, Nixon was not known as a recreational president. Unlike predecessors such as Eisenhower or successors like Obama, both avid golfers, Nixon distanced himself from leisure pursuits that could be seen as symbols of elitism or distraction. His presidency was marked by intense focus on foreign policy and managing domestic unrest, and he likely viewed golf as an indulgence incompatible with the seriousness of his office. The comment reflects his utilitarian mindset, where personal time was often sacrificed for perceived duty.
In the modern context, the quote serves as a commentary on how leaders and professionals prioritize their time. It invites reflection on what activities offer meaningful returns versus those that simply consume hours. While some may argue that relaxation and networking through sports like golf have their place, Nixon’s perspective underscores a belief in discipline, focus, and purposeful living—qualities he felt were essential for those in positions of responsibility.
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