Tell us your favorite Paul Harris quote

Rotary International News -- 22 February 2011

Paul Harris circa 1915. Rotary Images

Since Paul Harris founded Rotary more than 100 years ago, his words have inspired millions, laying the groundwork for new clubs and worldwide service.

Recently, Rotarians shared some of their favorite quotes from Harris on Rotary's social media sites:

"This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it."
"Ignorance is a menace to peace."
"Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true."
"Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse, and power to bless."

In honor of Rotary's 106th anniversary 23 February, share your favorite Harris quote with other Rotarians in the comments section below.

Read speeches and writings by Paul Harris in Honoring Our Past: The Words and Wisdom of Paul Harris.

50 Comments:

At 10:06AM on 17 May 2012, Brian Luwaga wrote: "Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true." I like this Paul Harris Quote

At 9:56AM on 8 November 2011, Sebastian Paul wrote: A quote of Paul Harris ( I do not remember the exact Words ) implying the need for tolerance among club members appeared to me as very relevant in today's world.

At 11:25AM on 7 October 2011, Marwan Mohamed wrote: "This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it."

At 10:30AM on 26 September 2011, shrewstha purushottam wrote: Rotary is a place - bringing great changes through small things.....

At 10:32AM on 5 July 2011, Heather Howard wrote: Here's a quote from Paul Harris's booklet about his visits to England and South Africa in 1933/4: "It is cheering to think of friends in distant lands. We are all very much alike, moved by the same hopes, ambitions, likes and dislikes; in short, we are all human.". Another quote from the same source is: "In every country where there are Rotary clubs, there are distinct channels of thought in that country which must not be overlooked by Rotarian leaders. It is not a question of what men ought to be thinking about; it is a question of what men are thinking about".

At 12:19PM on 20 April 2011, BENOITON wrote: "It's a man's job to be a rotarian", from an interview of P.P.H., 1917.

At 9:24AM on 17 March 2011, Trey Greene wrote: My favorite Paul Harris quote was delivered in an address given in Detroit in remarks to the 1934 Rotary International Convention: "It is unconscionable that there should be destitution in this land of plenty. We are trying to outlaw war throughout the world; we must outlaw destitution within our own borders. We shall sign a declaration of independence of the further domination of life by mere things."

At 12:21PM on 2 March 2011, BLRamsisaria wrote: It is always enjoyable and inspiring to read quotations of great persons

At 8:34AM on 4 March 2011, Tim Tucker wrote: ‘The writer hopes that the organizations of the Rotary type now in existence will increase until the time arrives when there will be clubs for all business and professional men and women and youths who are imbued with the ideal of service.' Paul Harris writing in the 1935 book 'This Rotarian Age'. Would Paul have been a Rotaractor in his youth? I reckon he would !! Rtn Tim Tucker RIBI Rotaract Resource Group 2010-12 Rotary Global History Fellowship - Rotaract Coordinator 2007-11

At 10:04AM on 28 February 2011, PRID Elmer Jordan, Calabasas, CA, USA wrote: l914 Cojvention he said: Remember that old friendships were new friendships once. We must keep up our supply of friendships filling the ranks of the old with the new as time rolls on. There is a zest in new friendships.

At 9:51AM on 28 February 2011, Ishwor Prasad Karmacharya wrote: "We are in no further need of politicians; we need some statesmen now. We can dispense with Democrats and we can dispense with Republicans in this time of national crisis. We need real patriots now." - Paul P. Harris, 1918

At 10:35AM on 24 February 2011, Carl Tomas Alley wrote: "Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse, and power to bless"

At 1:54PM on 23 February 2011, Sanjay Mehta,RC Madras North,RI Dist.3230,TN.India wrote: "One Cannot Achieve the Pinnacles of Service unless one experiences the Miracles of Friendship." .....and on Friendship, Paul Harris Said, Friendship is the foundation rock upon which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element that holds it together." what a profound statement?!!!!!

At 2:12PM on 23 February 2011, Mike Stafford wrote: "Great things happen when Good people come together". I used it just last week when we commisioned our emergency clean water plant in the Bahamas.

At 2:18PM on 23 February 2011, Bill Pollard - PDG D7600 (VA, USA) wrote: “Friendship is a natural and willing servant….There is no reason…why the great power of friendship should not be harnessed to do its part in the world’s work.” and “Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element which holds it together.”

At 1:49PM on 23 February 2011, Roma Puni wrote: "Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and makes them come true."

At 10:02AM on 22 July 2010, barbra hubler wrote: Paul Harris brought the world together thru Rotary. My favorite quote: Life offers you nothing, except an opportunity to love and grow.

At 9:27AM on 8 February 2010, snehal wrote: Theme is guide for all Rotarians

At 8:46AM on 30 October 2009, Chamberlain Nworgu wrote: Life offers you nothing, except an opportunity to love and grow.

At 11:04AM on 16 October 2009, Rotaractor Brook (RCT Mella) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia wrote: "Service above self." The way to war is a well-paved highway and the way to peace is still a wilderness."

At 10:02AM on 17 August 2009, Rtn Pankaj Seth wrote: A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided.

At 2:59PM on 14 August 2009, Rtn Sumeet Alakh, RC Sonipat, India wrote: By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyond the winning.

At 9:52AM on 13 August 2009, PP PHF Rtn. Shashank Agrawal wrote: Make dreams Real , theme for 2008-09 was said way back by the founder

At 10:20AM on 10 August 2009, Rtn. Dr. Gaurish Padukone wrote: The quote by Paul Harris in his message to the 1922RI convention according to me is aptly suitable for our times today. He said: " Mankind slips and stumbles at times but it is nevertheless incessantly striggling upwards. I sincerely believe that life has yet more unrevealed beauties than have ever as yet been discovered. I am certain it is not more money that we need. We need enlighteenment, a better understanding of the everyday blessings which are within the reach of all.

At 9:22AM on 7 August 2009, Ayoub Ayoub wrote: Rotary paves the way for peace and understanding. I have met Rotaractor Carolina from Mexico in Cairo and seen how impressed is she with the prospects of international understanding thru Rotary.

At 9:14AM on 7 August 2009, ROTARY CLUB OF CHINATOWN MANILA - PHILIPPINES D3810 wrote: The 3 Generals in command of the destructive forces are SUSPICION, JEALOUSY & FEAR. Let us stimulate and encourage the constructive forces and place in their command, the 3 greatest generals the world has ever known: FAITH, LOVE & COURAGE.....

At 1:49PM on 5 August 2009, Rtn. Pankaj Gupta,RC,Roorkee midtown, wrote: We the Rotarians can change the face of this world through our zeal and enthusiasm to serve humanity.Lets set an example for the world to follow us.I am proud to be a Rotarian.

At 9:30AM on 5 August 2009, Sebastian Paul wrote: When I was in Rotaract Club, it provided me with friendship which I needed very much. The ideals promoted by Paul Harris has surely helped in bringing that pleasant atmosphere. Thank You

At 3:46PM on 4 August 2009, Devika Bhaskar wrote: As long as grass continues to grow green, as long as water continues to flow downhill, so long Rotary will continue to worship its ideal, the ideal of service

At 2:20PM on 4 August 2009, Rtn. Sumeet Alakh, RC Sonipat, India wrote: What one man can do himself directly is but little. If however he can stir up ten others to take up the task he has accomplished much. Our Leader Sir Paul Harris Has showld us the way and with his noble soul can watch all of us doing something good for the society.

At 1:07PM on 4 August 2009, Rtn. Sumeet Alakh, Sonepat RC wrote: Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by-product of providing a useful service.

At 12:11PM on 4 August 2009, Rtn.S.Gajendran wrote: We cannot forget the quotes of Paul Harris as it reminds of the noble work he has done to the society.We Rotarians are proud of following the footsteps of great noble soul.We can use his quotes in our weekly meeting as THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.

At 9:48AM on 4 August 2009, PP RTN. Chandra j. Dias wrote: We are proud to be rotarians being members of an International Organization under the Leadership of Our Founder Hon. Paul Harris

At 9:48AM on 4 August 2009, Bharath Reddy wrote: "May you be builders,not mere climbers."

At 9:49AM on 4 August 2009, Rtn basappa wrote: This is a very good. Rotary members can use the quotations in their bulletins and other club publications to inspire their members. Good job

At 9:49AM on 4 August 2009, Alex Tsotros wrote: Rotary: Builds bridges of fellowship and love all around the World! Let me become one of the so many builders!

At 9:49AM on 4 August 2009, PDG Bill Cunningham wrote: I believe it first appeared in the January, 1945 issue of The Rotarian and its words always ring true. "Is everything all right in Rotary? No, thank God, everything is all wrong. "There probably is no part or parcel of Rotary which can't stand improvement." Paul Harris could not have been more on the mark. When we fail to immprove Rotary, we simply fail to serve.

At 3:56PM on 3 August 2009, N.Bhaskaran Pillai wrote: I started noting down Paul Harris timeless jems from the enighties. Long or short, they are all highly quotable. There is truth in them. There is life in them. My favourite? Difficult pick and choose. I like them all. You will like them all. Every body will love them all. The sad thing is that we have done precious little to propagate them.

At 3:56PM on 3 August 2009, Sheldon Boyce, Past President, Honeoye Falls - Mendon (NY) Rotary Club wrote: my favorite, magnificent in its brevity and message, is when he described the early Rotary meetings with members from all walks of life, religions and political persuasions: "Complete tolerance prevailed."

At 12:48PM on 3 August 2009, Elvie Zamora wrote: This is my reflection. Rotary improves communities, improves the lives of the less-privileged, improves relations between countries.

At 12:49PM on 3 August 2009, Rtn. SP. SHANTHI, Karaikudi Heritage wrote: This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. After I joined in Rotary Many things happened, changed. Thanks to Paul for this wonderful organization

At 12:50PM on 3 August 2009, Rtn. Adv. Manikandan, KARAIKUDI HERITAGE wrote: Personality has power to uplift, power to depress, power to curse, and power to bless. These are the words that I like about Rotary.

At 12:50PM on 3 August 2009, Nwakanma Ikechukwu A. wrote: Rotary is a way of life that lifts the mind and soul to a higher volt.

At 9:44AM on 31 July 2009, Rtn. S.K.DAMANI wrote: Considering the quote: Is everythingall right in Rotary: our RI President John Kenny has given a very apt theme: The future of Rotary is in your hands. Simply it means the work of Rotary has not ended and it is in the hands of the present rotarians to strive hard and bring health and peace thru the world. Till that is done, the work of Rotary will never end AND to complete that the future of Rotary is in (y) our hands.

At 3:22PM on 30 July 2009, Mike Stafford wrote: My favirote quote is. "It has been the way of Rotarians to focus on that which they agree on and not that on which they disagree on".

At 10:46AM on 30 July 2009, PDG Keith Koke wrote: "He who has a thousand friends, has not a friend to spare" is my favorite quote

At 10:48AM on 30 July 2009, PP Zahiruddin Khan wrote: One of my favourite quotes of Paul Harris. "Is everything all right in Rotary. If so God pity us. We are coming to the end of our day". from THE ROTARIAN January 1997. PP Zahiruddin Khan, Rotary Club of Rawalpindi Central, Distt. 3270 Pakistan and Afghanistan

At 9:56AM on 31 July 2009, Ismael Mukasa wrote: Rotary is you and you are Rotary so try and make a difference as an Individual to make this world a better place.

At 1:55PM on 29 July 2009, Abena Agyemang wrote: "This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it"

At 12:07PM on 29 July 2009, Boateng Isaac(Rotaract club of Accra-labone, Ghana) wrote: it has always being a pleasure to read such nice quotes from such a great founder, it is enrich my life every now and then.

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