Sam Rayburn Quotes

No one has a finer command of language than the person who keeps his mouth shut.

Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.

When the concept of Social Security came before the House, every Republican but one voted against it. Had it not been for the Democrats, Social Security would never have passed, and our older people would not have this great support that our people provide. It has been my experience that Democrats generally vote to protect the people, while Republicans seem to try to protect the interests of big business.

Readiness for opportunity makes for success. Opportunity often comes by accident; readiness never does.

There are no degrees in honorableness. You either are or you aren't.

The real actor has a direct line to the collective heart.

You'll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth. Then you don't have to remember what you have said, and you never forget what you have said.

Any man who will cheat for you will cheat against you.

Don't try to go too fast. Learn your job. Don't ever talk until you know what you're talking about... If you want to get along, go along.

There's no education in the second kick of a mule

I will not deny that there are men in the district better qualified than I to go to Congress, but gentlemen, these men are not in the race.

They may be just as intelligent as you say. But I'd feel a helluva lot better if just one of them had ever run for sheriff.

Don't ever talk until you know what you're talking about...

In my many years as a Representative in Congress it is my observation that the district that is best represented is the district that is wise enough to select a man of energy, intelligence, and integrity and reelects him year after year. A man of this type and character serves more efficiently and effectively the longer he is returned by his people.

If a man has common sense, he has all the sense there is.

If you want to get along, go along.

Let the other fellow get the headlines. I'll take the laws.

Poverty only tries men's souls. It is loneliness that breaks the heart.

When you get too big a majority, you're immediately in trouble.

I like power and I like to use it.

A damn independent boy; independent as a hog on ice.

Too many critics mistake the deliberations of the Congress for its decisions.