The words intrigued me enough to search for a person who said it. Thankfully, Daily Celebrations site offers a clear answer with interesting details. There I learned that, at times, William J.H. Boetcker's quotations were erroneously credited by some to President Abraham Lincoln.
Presbyterian minister William J.H. Boetcker (1873-1962) was born in Hamburg, Germany. He lectured around the United States about the hard work and character that leads to success.
In 1916 he published a motivational pamphlet "Ten Cannots." Not surprisingly, almost a century later, Boetcker's wisdom is especially relevant. He also came up with "Seven National Crimes." Almost 100 years later, Boetcker's wisdom still applies. According to the Wikipedia, Rev. Boetcker was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania and ordained in Brooklyn, New York.
"He was an eloquent motivational speaker, and is often regarded today as the forerunner of such contemporary "success coaches" as Anthony Robbins." ~ Wikipedia
- You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
- You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
- You cannot help little men by tearing down big men.
- You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
- You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
- You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
- You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
- You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.
- You cannot build character and courage by destroying men's initiative and independence.
- And you cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.
"Seven National Crimes."
- I don’t think.
- I don’t know.
- I don’t care.
- I am too busy.
- I leave well enough alone.
- I have no time to read and find out.
- I am not interested.
~ William J. H. Boetcker (1873-1962)
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