We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope!
Sam HoustonRead
All new states are invested, more or less, by a class of noisy, second-rate men who are always in favor of rash and extreme measures, but Texas was absolutely overrun by such men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that newly established states often attract impulsive leaders, and Texas had an abundance of such figures.
Sam Houston reflects on the nature of leadership in newly formed states, suggesting that they are often populated by individuals who prefer bold and reckless approaches to governance. He specifically notes that Texas was particularly affected by this phenomenon, implying that the challenges faced during its formation were exacerbated by the presence of overly ambitious and perhaps less qualified leaders who favored drastic measures instead of prudent decision-making.
Themes
LeadershipPoliticsTexasImpulsivenessGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a political discussion about the challenges new governments face.
More from Sam Houston
All quotes →The soldier who gropes for glory must submit himself to discipline. Subordination gives strength and security to an army. He that will not submit to it when corrected and improved by the experience of ages does not deserve the proud appellation of a soldier.
Sam HoustonRead
I have ever been opposed to banks, - opposed to internal improvements by the general government, - opposed to distribution of public lands among the states, - opposed to taking the power from the hands of the people, - opposed to special monopolies, - opposed to a protective tariff, - opposed to a latitudinal construction of the constitution, - opposed to slavery agitation and disunion. This is my democracy. Point to a single act of my public career not in keeping with these principles.
Sam HoustonRead
I declare that civil war is inevitable and is near at hand. When it comes the descendants of the heroes of Lexington and Bunker Hill will be found equal in patriotism, courage and heroic endurance with the descendants of the heroes of Cowpens and Yorktown. For this reason I predict the civil war which is now at hand will be stubborn and of long duration.
Sam HoustonRead
A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under.
Sam HoustonRead
There would be no difficulty in securing the rights of the people and the liberties of Texas if men would march to their duty and not fly like recreants from danger. Texas must be defended and liberty maintained.
Sam HoustonRead
Similar quotes
You will find that you cannot do without politicians. They are a necessary evil in this day and time. You may not like getting money from one source and spending it for another. But the thing for the school people to do is that if the politicians are going to steal, make them steal for the schools.
Huey LongRead
Politics in America is the binding secular religion.
Theodore WhiteRead
Those who today murdered our people in an ambush not only plotted to murder some Jews but intended to provoke us... The Arabs stand to gain from such a development. They want the country to be in a state of perpetual pogrom.... Any further bloodshed [by the Jews] will only bring political advantage to the Arabs and harm us... Our strength is in the defense... and this strength will give us political victory if England and the world will know that we are defending ourselves rather than attacking.
David Ben-GurionRead
If you don't have a record to run on, you paint your opponent as someone to run from.
Barack ObamaRead
Herr Schroder has conducted two electoral campaigns, and he is doing it again now, by not telling people what is really necessary. He keeps avoiding the difficult and uncomfortable issues, those that imply changes and therefore provoke discussions.
Angela MerkelRead
Republicans and others who are in anguish over the possibility of socialized medicine ought to have to explain their ideology to a mother with a sick newborn. They ought to have to explain how this nation can debate health care and not mention how abysmal ours is.
Richard CohenRead