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
In a free government the demand for moral qualities should be made superior to that of talents.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Moral integrity is more important than merely possessing talent in a leadership role.
Andrew Jackson's quote emphasizes the importance of moral qualities over mere talent in the realm of governance. In a free society, leaders should prioritize ethical behavior and integrity because these traits build trust and ensure that the talents they possess are used for the common good, rather than for selfish or corrupt purposes.
Themes
MoralLeadershipGovernanceIntegrityTalentEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the qualities of a good leader.
More from Andrew Jackson
All quotes βThe 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.
Andrew JacksonRead
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.
Andrew JacksonRead
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.
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.
Andrew JacksonRead
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.
Andrew JacksonRead
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