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Franklin Pierce Quotes

Powerful Franklin Pierce for Daily Growth

About Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869) was an American statesman who served as the 14th President of the United States from March 1853 to March 1857. Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Pierce was the first president from New England since John Quincy Adams and the last from any Northeastern state until James E. Carter a century later. Pierce attended Bowdoin College before studying law and entering politics in his home state of New Hampshire. His political career began as a Democrat, serving in both houses of Congress. In 1845, he was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Hampshire by President James K. Polk, who valued Pierce's military experience from the Mexican-American War. Pierce's presidency was marked by a deeply divided nation over the issue of slavery. He favored the expansion of slavery into the territories acquired in the Mexican-American War. His most significant act as president was signing the Kansas–Nebraska Act, which repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed the people of each territory to decide whether they wanted to allow slavery within their borders by a popular vote. This decision fueled the controversy surrounding the expansion of slavery, leading to the Bleeding Kansas violence and ultimately the American Civil War. After his presidency, Pierce moved to Hillsboro, New Hampshire, where he spent his remaining years in relative obscurity, drinking heavily. He died on October 8, 1869, just over a decade after leaving office. Despite his controversial presidency, Franklin Pierce is remembered for his military service, his dedication to the Union during the Civil War, and his efforts to maintain harmony among the states in the face of increasing sectional tension.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Justice, Sir, is the child of law, and law a child of liberty."

The quote by Franklin Pierce emphasizes the inseparable relationship between justice, law, and liberty. He suggests that justice, as a fundamental ideal, can only be realized within a legal system. Furthermore, this legal system should stem from principles of freedom and liberty, ensuring fairness and impartiality in its application. In essence, he's saying that true liberty allows for the establishment of just laws, which in turn nurture justice.

"To be President of the United States, I do not consider as an honor conferred, but as a task and labor to be performed."

This quote by Franklin Pierce indicates that he viewed his role as U.S. President as a serious responsibility rather than a title or honor. He saw it as a demanding duty or task to be carried out diligently, reflecting a commitment to public service above personal gain or recognition.

"I have no new principles to introduce, just the old principle of doing justice to all men."

This quote by Franklin Pierce indicates his commitment to fairness and impartiality. He suggests that he doesn't intend to introduce novel ideas or ideologies but rather uphold the timeless principle of treating everyone with justice, regardless of their background or status. Essentially, it underscores the importance of equal treatment under the law, a cornerstone of democratic societies.

"We are not fighting for glory, but for the maintenance of the integrity of our country, and we shall stand by the right until it triumphs."

This quote by Franklin Pierce emphasizes that the struggle he and his contemporaries were engaged in was not driven by a desire for personal gain or recognition (glory), but rather a commitment to preserving the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of their country. He underscores that they will persevere until justice, represented by the "right," ultimately prevails. It suggests a strong sense of patriotism, resilience, and unwavering dedication towards upholding national values.

"Let us have peace, but let it be honorable and permanent peace; not a short-lived tranquility purchased by the sacrifice of our national integrity or our individual honor."

This quote by Franklin Pierce emphasizes the importance of achieving lasting, honorable peace that doesn't compromise national values or personal principles. He suggests that temporary peace at the expense of one's country's integrity or personal integrity is unacceptable and should be avoided. Instead, he encourages pursuing a peace agreement that preserves both national interests and individual morals, ensuring a permanent solution to conflicts.

The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a confederacy so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded.

- Franklin Pierce

Concentration, Confederacy, Dangers

A Republic without parties is a complete anomaly. The histories of all popular governments show absurd is the idea of their attempting to exist without parties.

- Franklin Pierce

Idea, Republic, Attempting, Anomaly

With the Union my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined.

- Franklin Pierce

Best, Dearest, Entwined, Earthly

Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion.

- Franklin Pierce

More, Frequently, Subject, Animated

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