I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men, whose superiors it is our happiness to believe are not found on the executive calendar of any country.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the reverence for the achievements of great leaders and the aspiration to follow their path.
In this quote, Martin Van Buren expresses admiration for the remarkable leaders who have come before him, suggesting that their exceptional qualities and contributions are a source of inspiration. He implies that true greatness is rare and that he finds joy in believing that such extraordinary individuals are not bound by the limitations of any current political or executive framework, thus encouraging future leaders to aspire to their legacy.
In practice
In a graduation speech, a speaker could use this quote to inspire students to aspire to greatness.
To avoid the necessity of a permanent debt and its inevitable consequences, I have advocated and endeavored to carry into effect the policy of confining the appropriations for the public service to such objects only as are clearly with the constitutional authority of the Federal Government.
In time of peace there can, at all events, be no justification for the creation of a permanent debt by the Federal Government. Its limited range of constitutional duties may certainly under such circumstances be performed without such a resort.
It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.
The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity.
Those who have wrought great changes in the world never succeeded by gaining over chiefs; but always by exciting the multitude. The first is the resource of intrigue and produces only secondary results, the second is the resort of genius and transforms the universe.
The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought.
What I've really learned over time is that optimism is a very, very important part of leadership.
Too many companies believe people are interchangeable. Truly gifted people never are. They have unique talents. Such people cannot be forced into roles they are not suited for, nor should they be. Effective leaders allow great people to do the work they were born to do.
I make my battle plans from the spirit of my sleeping soldiers
We have no desire to be the world's policeman. But America does want to be the world's peacemaker.
I think right now we need to look back at the founding values of our country. Rise above partisanship, be less bitter when it comes to important matters that have to be solved.
If, therefore, the Greeks or others say that they are not committed to Peter and to his successors, they necessarily say that they are not of the sheep of Christ, since the Lord says that there is only one fold and one shepherd (Jn.10:16). Whoever, therefore, resists this authority, resists the command of God Himself.
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