"The institution (slavery) will in its own nature be perpetual."
This quote by John C. Calhoun reflects his belief that slavery, as an established social and economic system, would naturally persist indefinitely unless disrupted or abolished through external means. It suggests a mindset that views the continuation of slavery not merely as a desire, but as an inherent, self-sustaining institution within the society at the time. This viewpoint is problematic because it fails to acknowledge the capacity for change and the necessity of empathy and action towards those who are oppressed.
"I hold that in the present state of civilization, where two races of different origin, and distinguished by color, and other physical differences, as well as intellectual, are brought together, the relation now existing in the slave-holding states between the two races, is, instead of an evil, a good - a positive good."
John C. Calhoun's quote suggests that he believed the institution of slavery, as it existed in the U.S. during his time, was beneficial for both white and Black people. He considered this multi-racial society to be an improvement, arguing that the slave system was a positive good rather than an evil. This stance is rooted in the idea that Black and white people were inherently different and unequal, justifying their segregation and subjugation under slavery. However, it's important to recognize that this perspective reflects the deeply flawed racist ideologies of his era and not a universally accepted truth today.
"Ideas have consequences. I am convinced that on the truth or error of ideas depends the nature and value of society."
The quote highlights the profound influence ideas have on societal structures, values, and progress. Essentially, it suggests that the validity or fallacy of our thoughts shapes the kind of society we inhabit - whether it is prosperous, harmonious, or fraught with conflict. Calhoun underscores that the importance of careful examination and consideration of ideas is crucial in shaping a desirable future for society.
"War is the recourse of those who are without strength to persuade."
The quote by John C. Calhoun suggests that war, or conflict, is a last resort for individuals or nations who lack the ability to convince others through peaceful means. It implies that persuasion and diplomacy should always be attempted before resorting to violence, as war often leads to destruction and loss of life. This interpretation encourages dialogue, understanding, and compromise as more effective tools in resolving disputes.
"In considering any question affecting our relations with a foreign nation, it must always be borne in mind that the first and great principle which should regulate our policy toward all nations, is not what we wish to see them do, but what they are able to do."
This quote by John C. Calhoun emphasizes the importance of practicality over idealism when dealing with foreign relations. The essence lies in recognizing a nation's capabilities rather than focusing on one's own desires or aspirations. It suggests that successful diplomacy requires understanding the power dynamics and strengths of other nations, and basing policy decisions on this realism, rather than on what one wishes those nations to do.
There was no measure that required greater caution or more severe scrutiny than one to impose taxes or raise a loan, be the form what it may. I hold that government has no right to do either, except when the public service makes it imperiously necessary, and then only to the extent that it requires.
- John C. Calhoun
Our government is deeply disordered; its credit is impaired; its debt increasing; its expenditures extravagant and wasteful; its disbursements without efficient accountability; and its taxes (for duties are but taxes) enormous, unequal, and oppressive to the great producing classes of the country.
- John C. Calhoun
The strong should always permit the weak and aggrieved to talk, to bluster, and scold without taking offence; and if we had so acted, and exercised proper skill in the management of our affairs, Mexico and ourselves would, by this time, have quietly and peaceably settled all difficulties and been good friends.
- John C. Calhoun
So long as the Oregon question is left open, Mexico will calculate the chances of a rupture between us and Great Britain, in the event of which she would be prepared to make common cause against us. But when an end is put to any such hope, she will speedily settle her difference with us.
- John C. Calhoun
It is a fundamental rule with me not to vote for a loan or tax bill till I am satisfied it is necessary for the public service, and then not if the deficiency can be avoided by lopping off unnecessary objects of expenditure or the enforcement of an exact and judicious economy in the public disbursements.
- John C. Calhoun
Fanatics, as a class, have far more zeal than intellect and are fanatics only because they have. There can be no fanaticism but where there is more passion than reason; and hence, in the nature of things, movements originating in it run down in a short time by their folly and extravagance.
- John C. Calhoun
England has not wholly escaped the curse which must ever befall a free government which holds extensive provinces in subjection; for, although she has not lost her liberty or fallen into anarchy, yet we behold the population of England crushed to the earth by the superincumbent weight of debt and taxation, which may one day terminate in revolution.
- John C. Calhoun
I am utterly opposed to all equivocation or obscure expressions in our public acts. We are bound to say plainly what we mean to say. If we mean negotiation and compromise, let us say it distinctly and plainly instead of sending to the President a resolution on which he may put whatever interpretation he pleases.
- John C. Calhoun
In its exterior relations - abroad - this government is the sole and exclusive representative of the united majesty, sovereignty, and power of the States, constituting this great and glorious Union. To the rest of the world, we are one. Neither State nor State government is known beyond our borders. Within, it is different.
- John C. Calhoun
Measures of policy are necessarily controlled by circumstances; and, consequently, what may be wise and expedient under certain circumstances might be eminently unwise and impolitic under different circumstances. To persist in acting in the same way under circumstances essentially different would be folly and obstinacy, and not consistency.
- John C. Calhoun
Be assured that, as certain as Congress transcends its assigned limits and usurps powers never conferred, or stretches those conferred beyond the proper limits, so surely will the fruits of its usurpation pass into the hands of the Executive. In seeking to become master, it but makes a master in the person of the President.
- John C. Calhoun
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