Quotes by Henry Clay

About Henry Clay:

Henry Clay, Sr. was an American lawyer, politician, and skilled orator who represented Kentucky in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives. He served three non-consecutive terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives and was also Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829. He lost his campaigns for president in 1824, 1832 and 1844.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Sir, I would rather be right than to be President.

Henry Clay

An oppressed people are authorized whenever they can to rise and break their fetters.

Henry Clay

I would rather be right than President.

Henry Clay

If you wish to avoid foreign collision, you had better abandon the ocean.

Henry Clay

Statistics are no substitute for judgment.

Henry Clay

Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition.

Henry Clay

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.

Henry Clay

I have heard something said about allegiance to the South. I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance.

Henry Clay

The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.

Henry Clay

Sir, I had rather be right than to be President.

Henry Clay

Recognize at all times the paramount right of your Country to your most devoted services, whether she treat you ill or well, and never let selfish views or interests predominate over the duties of patriotism.

Henry Clay

Their disappearance from the human family would be no great loss to the world.

Henry Clay

Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.

Henry Clay

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.

Henry Clay

Author Bio

  • NameHenry Clay
  • DescriptionAmerican politician
  • BornApril 12, 1777
  • DiedJune 29, 1852
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Lawyer; Diplomat