“Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.’ And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘We should never judge a president by his age, only by his works.’ And ever since he told me that, I stopped worrying.”
Explanation
In this humorous quote, Ronald Reagan uses self-deprecating wit to address concerns about his age with characteristic charm. By joking that Thomas Jefferson—who died in 1826—personally gave him advice, Reagan turns a potential vulnerability into a moment of levity. The line cleverly acknowledges his seniority while simultaneously dismissing it, reinforcing the idea that wisdom, experience, and accomplishment matter more than age in leadership.
Reagan was the oldest person ever elected president at the time, and questions about his age followed him throughout his presidency. Rather than deflect them defensively, he often met such critiques with humor, allowing him to disarm opponents and maintain a relatable image. This quote exemplifies his ability to use jokes to deliver a deeper message: that leadership should be judged by results, not appearances or stereotypes.
Even today, amid ongoing discussions about age and leadership in politics, this quote resonates as a model of how to handle scrutiny with grace and humor. It underscores the timeless truth that the quality of one’s service—not the number of one’s years—is the real measure of public leadership, while also showcasing Reagan’s enduring gift for connecting with people through laughter.
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