“My concern today is not with the length of a person’s hair but with his conduct.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“My concern today is not with the length of a person’s hair but with his conduct.”
Explanation
In this quote, Richard Nixon shifts the focus from appearances to behavior, asserting that character and actions are more important than superficial traits. The reference to “the length of a person’s hair” alludes to a cultural divide of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when long hair—especially on young men—was associated with the counterculture, anti-war protests, and social rebellion. By declaring that his concern is “with conduct,” Nixon attempts to move beyond generational stereotypes and emphasize the values of personal responsibility, civility, and lawfulness.
This quote reflects Nixon’s effort to balance law-and-order rhetoric with a more inclusive tone, particularly as he sought to win over moderate voters amid the backdrop of social unrest. While he had often been critical of the counterculture, this remark signaled a willingness to judge individuals by their behavior rather than by their appearance, appealing to a broader American audience tired of cultural conflict but still concerned with national discipline and moral order.
In today’s context, the quote resonates as a call to focus on substance over style, action over aesthetics. It speaks to ongoing societal debates about appearance-based judgment, generational divides, and the importance of evaluating people on their values and contributions, not their outward image. Nixon’s words remind us that leadership—and justice—require looking beyond surface traits to the deeper qualities that define a person’s character and impact.
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