Quotes by John C. Calhoun

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

— John C. Calhoun

Wisdom

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.

— John C. Calhoun

Wisdom

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.

— John C. Calhoun

Wisdom

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.

— John C. Calhoun

Wisdom

Beware the wrath of a patient adversary.

— John C. Calhoun

Wisdom

Learn from your mistakes and build on your successes.

— John C. Calhoun

Success

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.

— John C. Calhoun

Wisdom

It is harder to preserve than to obtain liberty.

— John C. Calhoun

Freedom

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

— John C. Calhoun

Life