Quotes by William J.H. Boetcker

The Ten Cannots

1. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

2. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong

3. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.

4. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

5. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.

6. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.

7. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.

8. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.

9. You cannot establish security on borrowed money.

10. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves.

Rev. William J. H. Boetcker 1916 Presbyterian minister

Note: In 1942 a large number of leaflets entitled "Lincoln on Limitations" was given out by an organization called The Committee for Constitutional Government. The leaflets contained quotes by Abraham Lincoln on one side and the Ten Cannots on the other side. Because of this, many have the misconception that the Ten Cannots are quotes by Lincoln.

Seven National Crimes

1. I don’t think.

2. I don’t know.

3. I don’t care.

4. I am too busy.

5. I leave well enough alone.

6. I have no time to read and find out.

7. I am not interested.

Rev. William J. H. Boetcker