The brave man, inattentive to his duty, is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts her in the hour of danger.
Andrew JacksonRead
I feel in the depths of my soul that it is the highest, most sacred, and most irreversible part of my obligation to preserve the union of these states, although it may cost me my life.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a deep commitment to the unity of a nation, emphasizing the importance of leadership and sacrifice.
In this quote, Andrew Jackson articulates a profound sense of duty to uphold the integrity of the union of states, suggesting that his obligation is not only a civic responsibility but a sacred commitment that he would be willing to sacrifice his life for. This reflects the ideals of strong leadership where the welfare of the nation takes precedence over personal safety and interest.
In practice
In a speech about national resilience, quoting this can inspire listeners to prioritize unity over division.
The brave man, inattentive to his duty, is worth little more to his country than the coward who deserts her in the hour of danger.
The planter, the farmer, the mechanic, and the laborer...form the great body of the people of the United States they are the bone and sinew of the country men who love liberty and desire nothing but equal rights and equal laws.
There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness... The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way.
The great constitutional corrective in the hands of the people against usurpation of power, or corruption by their agents is the right of suffrage; and this when used with calmness and deliberation will prove strong enough.
When death comes, he respects neither age nor merit. He sweeps from the earthly existence the sick and the strong, the rich and the poor, and should teach us to live to be prepared for death.
In a free government the demand for moral qualities should be made superior to that of talents.
People are often led to causes and often become committed to great ideas through persons who personify those ideas. They have to find the embodiment of the idea in flesh and blood in order to commit themselves to it.
I think where political issues invade moral situations, spiritual leaders have to speak out.
I want to be the bridge to the next generation.
Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.
Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
A successful person finds the right place for himself. But a successful leader finds the right place for others. Few things in life are better than seeing people realize their potential. If you invest in people by helping individuals improve themselves, showing them the way to their “right place”, they will never be the same again. And neither will you. It is impossible to help others without helping yourself.
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