7 inspirational quotes from George H.W. Bush

As the only president to serve just one term in the last thirty years, it’s remarkable how well George H.W. Bush was liked by all who knew him.

The 41^st president was known for his sense of humor, friendships with unlikely acquaintances, deft hand at foreign policy and a sporting spirit whether playing baseball or horseshoes. The 94-year-old died Friday.

The president and former vice president had a long and distinguished career, serving in the armed forces, as a senator and as head of the CIA. His presidency and public persona are for many an artifact of another time, where political opponents could find common ground and a man who called himself “boring” could capture the nation’s heart.

Here are seven of the president’s most inspirational phrases over a long career of public service—with lessons for communicators and PR pros in every line:

1. “I have opinions of my own—strong opinions—but I don’t always agree with them.”