The quote database

Such is man, and so must he be understood by those who would lead him, even to his own best interests.

The case before us illustrates better than most that the judicial power is often difficult in its exercise.

our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint

War is the province of uncertainty: three-fourths of those things upon which action in War must be calculated, are hidden more or less in the clouds of great uncertainty.

Our knowledge of circumstances has increased, but our uncertainty, instead of having diminished, has only increased.

Let your doubt be to yourself, your decision to them.

You have summoned me in my weakness; you must sustain me by your strength.

One must subject oneself to one's own tests that one is destined for independence and command, and do so at the right time.

it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected

A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.

It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.

Fully impressed with the gravity of the duties that confront me and mindful of my weakness, I should be appalled if it were my lot to bear unaided the responsibilities which await me.

I accept with humility the honor which the American people have conferred upon me.

In this time of doubt, they look to the United States as never before for good will, strength, and wise leadership.

Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.

Conscious of my own deficiency, I cannot enter on these duties without great anxiety for the result.

Your strength can compensate for my weakness, and your wisdom can help to minimize my mistakes.

A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it.

For he that thinks absolute power purifies men's blood, and corrects the baseness of human nature, need read but the history of this, or any other age, to be convinced of the contrary.

Less possessed of your confidence in advance than any of my predecessors, I am deeply conscious of the prospect that I shall stand more and oftener in need of your indulgence.

There is no act which more imperatively requires to be performed under a strong sense of individual responsibility than the nomination to employments.

Surely the United States Senate is big enough to take self-criticism and self-appraisal.

a prince should entrust his friends with so much authority only as leaves a certain interval between his position and theirs