“In every quarter of the globe [Easter Sunday] will be observed in memory of a risen Saviour. So far reaching has been this event, so wide has become the realm of Christendom, that it would be difficult to find anywhere on earth a human being whose life has not been modified in some degree by the influence of the Christian religion.
“Outside the teachings of religion there is no answer to the problems of life. Our international and social relations cannot be solved by material forces. Armaments, wages, profits are not mere questions of quantity. They are questions of quality. Changing and fixing their amount will afford no final solution.
“What is needed is a change of mind, a change of attitude toward the use of these material things and toward each other. The real problems of the world are not material, but spiritual. Easter teaches us the reality of the things that are unseen and the power of the spirit.” — Calvin Coolidge, April 3, 1931
The Coolidge cats, Blackie and Tige (ever mistrustful of limited government) before their liberty to raid bird’s nests, terrorize the rabbits, and commit felonies in the nation’s capital was curtailed by bell-bearing collars, open-air pens, and house arrest. It seems apparent from Tige’s initial reconnaissance which cat will have the tendency to commit the first felony.
A President should not only not be selfish, but he ought to avoid the appearance of selfishness. The people would not have confidence in a man that appeared to be grasping for office.
It is difficult for men in high office to avoid the malady of self-delusion. They are always surrounded by worshippers. They are constantly, and for the most part sincerely, assured of their greatness.
They live in an artificial atmosphere of adulation and exaltation which sooner or later impairs their judgment. They are in grave danger of becoming careless and arrogant. The chances of having wise and faithful public service are increased by a change in the presidential office after a moderate length of time.
It is necessary for the head of the nation to differ with many people who are honest in their opinions. As his term progresses, the number who are disappointed accumulates. Finally, there is so large a body who have lost confidence in him that he meets a rising opposition which makes his efforts less effective.
In the higher ranges of public service men appear to come forward to perform a certain duty. When it is performed their work is done…
While I had a desire to be relieved of the pretentions and delusions of public life, it was not because of any attraction of pleasure or idleness.
We draw our Presidents from the people. It is a wholesome thing for them to return to the people. I came from them. I wish to be one of them again.
Although all our Presidents have had back of them a good heritage of blood, very few have been born to the purple. Fortunately, they are not supported at public expense after leaving office, so they are not expected to set an example encouraging to a leisure class.
They have only the same title to nobility that belongs to all our citizens, which is the one based on achievement and character, so they need not assume superiority. It is becoming for them to engage in some dignified employment where they can be of service as others are.
Former President Coolidge finding Mr. Wrigley’s parrot willing to help adjust Cal’s hat and keep things in perspective.
In February 1905, the Coolidges were still courting. Grace seemed to be in the middle of fending off a seasonal ailment but Calvin was missing her acutely and expressed so in his letters. Here is a snippet from the 10th of that month:
My dear Grace: —
When I came in from the Banquet last night your light made me think you might be up again with your malady. I hope not. I am so sorry it is troubling you, do get some treatment for it. I didn’t enjoy the Banquet. I don’t know why, it seemed I never dreaded speaking so…
It is so pleasant today I would like to take you driving. Can’t you skip school for a sleigh? Or may I ask you to come after tea — about 7:20? Please telephone me between 4 and 4:30 if you do not decide to come — otherwise be on the watch for me so I needn’t ring for you.
I know I am always wanting something of you — perhaps you are so used to it now you don’t mind. Just think what a temptation you are and try to forgive me if I seem to ask too much.
Sincerely, Calvin
She didn’t seem to mind after all. They were married that October.
The Coolidges, several seasons later, sharing a moment aboard the Presidential yacht, the Mayflower.
The Importance of the Obvious 