Salmon Portland Chase Quotes

Powerful Salmon Portland Chase for Daily Growth

About Salmon Portland Chase

**Salmon P. Chase** (November 13, 1808 – May 7, 1873) was a prominent American statesman, jurist, and political philosopher, serving as the sixth Chief Justice of the United States from 1864 to his death in 1873. Born in Cornish, New Hampshire, Chase moved with his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, at age eleven. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1829, and quickly established a successful legal career. Chase's political career began in earnest when he served as Ohio's Attorney General from 1849 to 1850. Known for his strong abolitionist views, Chase played a significant role in the formation of the Republican Party and was a key figure in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which he vehemently opposed. He served as Governor of Ohio from 1856 to 1860, during which time he worked to prevent the spread of slavery. In 1861, Chase was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Abraham Lincoln. In this role, he implemented innovative financial measures to fund the Union's war effort, including the issuance of paper money known as Legal Tender Act notes. Chase's tenure at the Treasury Department is marked by his quote: "The government should not be a beggar, but a great and powerful borrower." In 1864, Chase was nominated for President by the Republican Party but lost the election to Lincoln. The following year, he was appointed Chief Justice of the United States, a position he held until his death in 1873. During his tenure as Chief Justice, Chase played a crucial role in deciding the legal status of Reconstruction and the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to African Americans. Chase's life and work continue to be influential today, particularly in the areas of financial policy, civil rights, and the role of government in society. Some of his most famous quotes include: "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government – lest it come to dominate our lives and interests," and "Justice should be blind, but she is not deaf."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Justice is the great interest of man on earth."

This quote by Salmon Portland Chase highlights the crucial role that justice plays in human life. It suggests that justice, more than material wealth or power, is what truly matters to people during their time on Earth. The pursuit and establishment of justice are not only essential for a functional society but also serve as a moral compass guiding our actions towards fairness, equity, and the upholding of individual rights. This quote underscores that the pursuit of justice transcends personal interests and unites us all in a shared desire for a fair and just world.


"The right of revolution is an inherent one. When people are oppressed by their government it is a natural right they enjoy to relieve themselves of such grievance in any manner they can."

This quote by Salmon Portland Chase underscores the idea that when a government infringes upon the fundamental rights, freedoms, or well-being of its people, those individuals have a natural right to revolt and seek redress. It highlights the notion that revolution is not an act of defiance, but rather a means of self-defense against oppression. The focus here is on ensuring justice, liberty, and fair governance, emphasizing the inherent power that people hold in determining their own destiny.


"A house divided against itself cannot stand."

The quote by Salmon Portland Chase, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," signifies that internal conflict or division within a group, nation, or organization will inevitably lead to its downfall or collapse. This profound statement highlights the importance of unity, harmony, and cohesion in any structure or system, emphasizing that disunity is destructive and harmful.


"I would rather be attacked for doing too much than criticized for doing too little."

This quote by Salmon Portland Chase reflects a strong, proactive stance on taking action, rather than being overly cautious or inactive. The message is that it's better to strive for significant progress, even if that leads to criticism or controversy, than to make minimal efforts and face the accusation of not doing enough. It suggests that boldness and ambition should be valued over timidity and complacency, as they have a greater potential for positive impact.


"We are not here merely to make a living; we are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. And it is not enough only to be able to give money, but we must be able to give ourselves."

Salmon Portland Chase's quote emphasizes that our purpose in life extends beyond mere subsistence or financial gain. Instead, we should strive to enrich the world with our presence by fostering a spirit of hope, ambition, and growth. This means not just giving material resources, but also giving ourselves – our time, talents, and energy – to make positive impacts on others' lives and the world at large.


The Constitution in all its provisions looks to an indestructible union disposed of indestructible States.

- Salmon Portland Chase

Constitution, Looks, Provisions

The way to resumption is to resume.

- Salmon Portland Chase

Way, Resume

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.