John C. Calhoun Quotes & Sayings

“In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct.”

“The interval between the decay of the old and the formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transition which must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wild and fierce fanaticism.”

“The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not efficiently checked, it is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised.”

“It is harder to preserve than to obtain liberty.”

“The Union next to our liberties the most dear. May we all remember that it can only be preserved by respecting the rights of the States, and distributing equally the benefits and burdens of the Union.”

“Learn from your mistakes and build on your successes.”

“A power has risen up in the government greater than the people themselves, consisting of many and various and powerful interests, combined into one mass, and held together by the cohesive power of the vast surplus in the banks.”

“The surrender of life is nothing to sinking down into acknowledgment of inferiority.”

“Beware the wrath of a patient adversary.”