Henry Ward Beecher was a Congregationalist clergyman, author, public speaker and social activist, from the U.S, who lived in the 19th century and is particularly well known for his vocal support for abolition of slavery. His father, Lyman Beecher was a widely admired evangelist and Henry Ward Beecher followed in his footsteps after graduating from the Lane Theological Seminary. Beecher was however, most well-known and admired for his stand on slavery and his calls for abolition of the practice was extremely well argued in an article titled ‘Shall we Compromise’. In fact, his thoughts and oratory skills were so well developed that Abraham Lincoln sent him on a speaking tour to countries in Europe in order to argue the case against slavery. In addition to his views on slavery, Beecher also became a key member of the women’s suffrage movement and eventually went on to head the American Women Suffrage Association. Beecher was also an accomplished writer and editor, who published a number of books, articles, and essays. He also edited the periodical named ‘The Independent’ for a while. Needless to say, Henry Ward Beecher was one of the most influential men of his time and a great orator. Henry Ward Beecher delivered many speeches and his quotes have been excerpted from all his speeches, writings and lectures. Read on the collection of quotations and sayings by Henry Ward Beecher on quarrel, selfishness, sanity, death, heaven, paradise, life, inspiration, judgment and discipline.
Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself-and be lenient to everybody else.
Adversity, if for no other reason, is of benefit, since it is sure to bring a season of sober reflection. People see clearer at such times. Storms purify the atmosphere.
Henry Ward Beecher
Hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.
Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.
Henry Ward Beecher
Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep burning, unquenchable.
I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.
No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is in the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has