Levi Woodbury Quotes

Powerful Levi Woodbury for Daily Growth

About Levi Woodbury

Levi Woodbury (December 14, 1789 – June 15, 1861) was an American lawyer, jurist, politician, and U.S. Senator from New Hampshire. Known for his significant contributions to the early development of the United States legal system, education, and infrastructure, Woodbury left a lasting impact on American history. Born in Hebron, New Hampshire, Woodbury was raised in a family with strong religious convictions and a tradition of public service. His father, Levi Woodbury Sr., was a prominent figure in the local community, serving as a judge, legislator, and town clerk. Young Levi followed in his footsteps, studying law, and eventually becoming a successful attorney. Woodbury's political career began in 1820 when he was elected to the New Hampshire Senate. He served there until 1825, when President John Quincy Adams appointed him as an associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Woodbury's tenure on the bench was marked by his commitment to upholding the rule of law and expanding the power of the judiciary. In 1834, President Andrew Jackson appointed Woodbury as Secretary of the Navy, a position he held until 1836. During his time in office, he oversaw significant naval expansions and modernizations, including the construction of new warships and the implementation of steam power. Perhaps Woodbury's most notable achievement came in 1845 when he was appointed by President James K. Polk as a U.S. Senator from New Hampshire. During his term, he advocated for the expansion of public education and infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, and canals. Woodbury's life and work reflect his deep commitment to public service and the pursuit of knowledge. His contributions to American law, politics, and education continue to be celebrated today. Some notable quotes by Levi Woodbury include: "The true measure of a nation is not its wealth or power, but the quality of its citizens," and "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The foundation of all our greatness, our Republic's endurance, is the principle that all individuals are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

This quote by Levi Woodbury emphasizes the core American ideal that every individual has inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights form the bedrock upon which the resilience and greatness of the United States Republic stand. It underscores the belief that personal freedom is not just a privilege but an entitlement, one that fuels the American spirit and contributes to the nation's endurance over time.


"The time was when every man loved freedom and prized virtue; but now we have men who care for nothing but power and wealth."

This quote by Levi Woodbury expresses a concern that, in his time, the focus of people shifted from cherishing freedom and virtues towards pursuing power and wealth. It suggests a perceived decline in values, where personal gain becomes more important than upholding principles like freedom and virtue. The statement serves as a call to remember and uphold these important ideals.


"A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings."

This quote emphasizes the importance of good health as the most significant blessing a person can have in life. It suggests that a thoughtful individual values and prioritizes their physical wellbeing, recognizing it as a crucial foundation for overall happiness and success.


"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it."

This quote by Levi Woodbury suggests that he values freedom more than constraints or limitations, even if greater freedom might come with some difficulties or inconveniences. In essence, he prioritizes the pursuit of freedom and autonomy over a life that is overly controlled or restricted.


"To every man there comes in his lifetime a special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to him and fitted to his talent; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour."

This quote by Levi Woodbury suggests that each person will encounter a significant moment in their lifetime, an opportunity tailored to their abilities, where they can make a unique, impactful contribution - their "finest hour." The quote emphasizes the importance of being ready and qualified for such moments when they arise. If one is unprepared or unqualified, it could lead to missed opportunities and regret, making the moment a tragedy rather than an achievement.


Laws fixed, certain, and uniform, are said to be the distinguishing traits of civilized from savage communities. In these last, seldom are any laws, unless it be the arbitrary and uncertain will of the strongest.

- Levi Woodbury

Laws, Civilized, Traits, Fixed

The very idea of the law in a constitutional republic involves the requisite that it be a rule, a guide, uniform, fixed and equal, for all, till changed by the same high political power which made it. This is what entitles it to its sovereign weight.

- Levi Woodbury

Republic, Very, Till, Fixed

Juries must, of necessity, be governed, in reaching many results through inferences from other facts, by certain laws of nature and human reason. They are often obliged to infer one thing from another, and this, whether that other be a fact direct or circumstantial.

- Levi Woodbury

Reason, Through, Other, Inference

It is essential to the pure and peaceful administration of justice that all its officers keep carefully within the boundaries of their constitutional powers. Auxiliary to this, but not secondary in importance, is a due knowledge of the leading subjects for their inquiry and decision.

- Levi Woodbury

Decision, Within, Carefully, Secondary

Presumptions of guilt or innocence may sometimes be strengthened or weakened by the place of birth and kind of education and associates a man has grown up with, and good character may at times interpose, and justly save, under suspicion, one who is accused of crime on slight circumstances.

- Levi Woodbury

Education, Good Character, Justly

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