Millard Fillmore Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy, or perhaps both."

This quote by Millard Fillmore emphasizes the importance of an informed citizenry in a democratic system. The statement suggests that a government which lacks mechanisms for its citizens to access information or acquire knowledge is setting itself up for failure, either through farce (a comedy where things go wrong) or tragedy (a serious play with unhappy outcomes). In essence, Fillmore is arguing that an informed public is crucial for the success and functioning of any democratic society.

"The public mind can be readily excited and is always more or less impressionable, but it is slow in comprehending great and far-reaching truths, and still slower in applying them to its daily concerns."

This quote by Millard Fillmore suggests that the general public can easily become influenced or swayed (excited) by ideas or events, but it takes time for them to fully understand deep or complex truths, and even longer to apply those truths to their daily lives. In essence, he's acknowledging the public's capacity for emotional response, while emphasizing the challenge of cultivating understanding and practical application of profound or far-reaching ideas.

"In my opinion, the Constitution is not a mechanism for perpetuating power, but a charter for the advancement of human rights."

This quote by Millard Fillmore expresses his view that the U.S. Constitution was designed not to preserve or maintain power, but rather to foster and protect human rights. He sees the Constitution as a guiding document that prioritizes the advancement of individual freedoms and rights over the consolidation of political power. In essence, he believes in the fundamental purpose of the Constitution being to promote justice and equality for all people.

"I think that this Government is founded upon greater principles than the mere will of the majority as expressed through political parties."

Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, suggests in this quote that the U.S. government is grounded on more significant principles than just the majority's will as represented by political parties. He implies a commitment to higher ideals such as justice, equality, and constitutional order, which should guide decision-making, transcending temporary party preferences or trends. This statement highlights the importance of upholding core values over political expediency in democratic governance.

"The great fundamental principle of our Constitution is individual liberty; and it can never be too often repeated, that the object of this Government was not to abolish or restrict the freedom of the individual, but to establish a rule under which all might enjoy their maximum liberties."

Millard Fillmore's quote emphasizes the fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution: individual liberty. The goal of this government, according to Fillmore, was never to limit personal freedom but rather to establish a system under which all individuals can enjoy their maximum freedoms. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of protecting and promoting individual rights as a cornerstone of American democracy.