“I have found out in later years that we were very poor, but the glory of America is that we didn’t know it then.”
- October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969
- American
- The 34th President of the United States, General, Military Leader
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Quote
“I have found out in later years that we were very poor, but the glory of America is that we didn’t know it then.”
Explanation
In this reflective and nostalgic quote, Eisenhower recalls his modest upbringing and the unshaken optimism of his early life, even amid material hardship. The statement highlights a core American ideal: that dignity, hope, and ambition are not dependent on wealth, and that a strong community or family can foster a sense of abundance even in the face of economic poverty. It’s a tribute to resilience, gratitude, and the spirit of self-reliance.
Eisenhower grew up in a large, working-class family in Abilene, Kansas, where financial resources were scarce, but values like hard work, discipline, and integrity were abundant. His words reflect the ethos of early 20th-century America, when many families endured hardship without letting it define them. The “glory of America,” in his view, lies in its ability to offer opportunity, instill pride, and foster ambition—even among those with the least.
Today, this quote speaks to conversations about poverty, opportunity, and the American Dream. It reminds us that while material conditions matter, the perception of one’s possibilities—and the cultural values of hope and perseverance—can be equally powerful. Eisenhower’s reflection is a celebration of inner wealth and national character, emphasizing that what lifts people isn’t just economic fortune, but a shared belief in the future and in oneself.
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