Memorable Quotes and quotations from Henry Clay

Henry Clay US orator & politician (1777 - 1852)


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

Henry Clay -
- All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.

Henry Clay -
- In all the affairs of life, social as well as political, courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest to the grateful and appreciating heart.

Henry Clay -
- I had rather be right than be President.