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Father! My father knows the proper way The nation should…

“Father! My father knows the proper way The nation should be run; He tells us children every day Just what should now be done. He knows the way to fix the trusts, He has a simple plan; But if the furnace needs repairs, We have to hire a man. My father, in a day or two Could land big thieves in…” quote by Edgar Albert Guest
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““Father! My father knows the proper way The nation should be run; He tells us children every day Just what should now be done. He knows the way to fix the trusts, He has a simple plan; But if the furnace needs repairs, We have to hire a man. My father, in a day or two Could land big thieves in jail; There's nothing that he cannot do, He knows no word like "fail." "Our confidence" he would restore, Of that there is no doubt; But if there is a chair to mend, We have to send it out. All public questions that arise, He settles on the spot; He waits not till the tumult dies, But grabs it while it's hot. In matters of finance he can Tell Congress what to do; But, O, he finds it hard to meet His bills as they fall due. It almost makes him sick to read The things law-makers say; Why, father's just the man they need, He never goes astray. All wars he'd very quickly end, As fast as I can write it; But when a neighbor starts a fuss, 'Tis mother has to fight it. In conversation father can Do many wondrous things; He's built upon a wiser plan Than presidents or kings. He knows the ins and outs of each And every deep transaction; We look to him for theories, But look to ma for action””

Edgar Albert Guest

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker praises a father figure as an all‑knowing, decisive leader who can solve big problems instantly but relies on others for mundane tasks, highlighting a paradox of authority and practicality.

In simple terms: Father is seen as a powerful problem‑solver but not for everyday chores.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the limits of expertise and delegate accordingly.

Themes

authority family leadership paradox delegation

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

advice observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political decision‑making
  • family conflict resolution
  • financial planning
  • war strategy
  • everyday repairs

Key Concepts

hierarchy expertise practicality dependence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What problems do you expect others to solve for you?
  • How do you balance expertise with practical action?
A Different Perspective

The father’s omnipotence may be idealized; real leaders cannot handle all issues alone.

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