"There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power."
Politician
William Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States, known for his brief term and emphasis on leadership and duty.
About William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, is notable for his brief presidency and his strong emphasis on leadership and duty. His time in office was marked by a commitment to public service and the responsibilities that come with governance. Harrison believed that effective leadership required a deep sense of duty, as reflected in his quote, 'The only thing I can do is to do my duty.' This perspective reveals his conviction that leaders must prioritize their obligations to the public above personal interests. Harrison's worldview was shaped by the belief that a leader's role is to serve the people with integrity and moral responsibility. His quotes often reflect this ethos, highlighting the importance of making decisions that align with the greater good. For instance, he articulated the presidency as a 'grave responsibility,' emphasizing the weight of the office and the necessity for leaders to act with accountability. Today, Harrison's insights into leadership and duty resonate in discussions about governance and public service. His focus on moral integrity and the obligations of leaders continues to inspire those in positions of authority, reminding them of the profound impact their decisions have on society.
Quote collection
16 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power."
"The liberties of a people depend on their own constant attention to its preservation."
"I believe that all the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer."
"Times change, and we change with them."
"The prudent capitalist will never adventure his capital . . . if there exists a state of uncertainty as to whether the Government will repeal tomorrow what it has enacted today."
"Sound morals, religious liberty, and a just sense of religious responsibility are essentially connected with all true and lasting happiness."
"The only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed."
"The people are the best guardians of their own rights and it is the duty of their executive to abstain from interfering in or thwarting the sacred exercise of the lawmaking functions of their government."
"Is one of the fairest portions of the globe to remain in a state of nature, the haunt of a few wretched savages, when it seems destined by the Creator to give support to a large population and to be the seat of civilization?"
"A decent and manly examination of the acts of government should not only be tolerated, but encouraged."
"We admit of no government by divine right, believing that so far as power is concerned the Beneficent Creator has made no distinction amongst men; that all are upon an equality, and that the only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed."
"All the lessons of history and experience must be lost upon us if we are content to trust alone to the peculiar advantages we happen to possess."
"Conscience, that vicegerent of God in the human heart, whose "still small voice" the loudest revelry cannot drown."
"The chains of military despotism, once fastened upon a nation, ages might pass away before they could be shaken off."
"To Englishmen, life is a topic, not an activity."
"The plea of necessity, that eternal argument of all conspirators."