Inspirations

Jimmy Stewart Quotes

"Dad always used to say the only causes worth fighting for were the lost causes."

Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

"I wouldn't give you two cents for all your fancy rules if, behind them, they didn't have a little bit of plain, ordinary, everyday kindness and a - a little lookin' out for the other fella, too..."

Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

You see, boys forget what their country means by just reading The Land of the Free in history books. Then they get to be men they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Boys ought to grow up remembering that.

Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Just get up off the ground, that's all I ask. Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty. Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something. And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting. Fighting for something better than just jungle law, fighting so's he can stand on his own two feet, free and decent, like he was created, no matter what his race, color, or creed. That's what you'd see. There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties. And, uh, if that's what the grownups have done with this world that was given to them, then we'd better get those boys' camps started fast and see what the kids can do. And it's not too late, because this country is bigger than the Taylors, or you, or me, or anything else. Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here; you just have to see them again!

Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

"I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr. Paine. All you people don't know about the lost causes. Mr. Paine does. He said once they were the only causes worth fighting for. And he fought for them once, for the only reason that any man ever fights for them. Because of just one plain simple rule: 'Love thy neighbor.' And in this world today, full of hatred, a man who knows that one rule has a great trust. You know that rule, Mr. Paine. And I loved you for it, just as my father did. And you know that you fight for the lost causes harder than for any others. Yes, you even die for them."

Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it.

Jimmy Stewart (1908 - 1997) as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, 1950

Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be" - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. And you may quote me.

Jimmy Stewart (1908 - 1997) as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, 1950

I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whoever I'm with.

Jimmy Stewart (1908 - 1997) as Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, 1950

One man's life touches so many others, when he's not there it leaves an awfully big hole.

The angel Clarence to Jimmy Stewart's character George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life

Clarence wisely shows George how much his life has mattered, and he begins to understand the differences his absence made in others and himself: "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives, and when he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence.

It's a Wonderful Life


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