Thomas Jefferson Quotes

If you accept the privilege of public service, you had better understand the responsibilities of public service.

There are a lot of ways to serve and only one is being president.

I really see the vocation of politics like I see every vocation - whether it's being a reporter or serving in public life or being a plumber - as an extension of ministry.

If they think its such a sacrifice to go into public service, then they should stay the heck out.

When you are called, you serve

Politics for me is not Ambition but a Mission.

What is my calling? What am I supposed to do? I think running for office, public office, can be a divine calling. I mean, I've wrestled with that very question myself.

There are higher things than mere professional success as a lawyer, and one of them is usefulness in a situation like that of New York, the great National problem of America.

Public business … must always be done by somebody…. If wise men decline it, others will not; if honest men refuse it, others will not.

Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and trustees are created for the benefit of the public.

The trust that goes with public service is a heavy burden on those who would lead us.

[Referring to public service:] Men can make a living with far more satisfaction and many less wounds to the souls at some other calling.

When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.

You must come forth to any Publick Service, whereof you may be capable, when you are called unto it.

I have an obligation to the people of Illinois, to the Senate and to myself to leave the Senate while I am still eager to serve, not after I tire of serving.

Those who by God are helmsmen are ordained to serve the common weal.

Those of us who get a chance, and many of us will, should and will be motivated to serve America well.

Throughout my life, I've always believed that the sole purpose of public service is to improve the lives of the people around us. From the Freeport Town Council to serving as Speaker of the State House, I've kept that sense of purpose close to my heart - consistently and passionately asking myself how we make progress.

Public life is regarded as the crown of a career, and to young men it is the worthiest ambition. Politics is still the greatest and the most honorable adventure.

If one of my boys was asking me if they should go into politics, I'd say there's only one reason to go into public life and that's to help people.

I've got the greatest job in the world. There's no other job in government where cause and effect is so tightly coupled where you can make a difference every day in so many different ways and in so many different people's lives. It's a great challenge.

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

I think public service is a calling and you do it as long as the things that brought you into the office can continue getting you up in the morning and as long as there's still work to get done.

I strive to be the best possible president that I can be to work for all of you and to represent out country and all Singaporeans.

Public service is a noble career. You can’t do it unless you get out there and run…. You can make a difference if you are elected.