William H. Seward Quotes

Powerful William H. Seward for Daily Growth

About William H. Seward

William Henry Seward (1801-1872) was an eminent American statesman, diplomat, and politician who served as the United States Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869 under President Abraham Lincoln. Born on May 16, 1801, in Florida, New York, Seward was the son of a judge and farmer. He attended Union College before studying law at Litchfield Law School in Connecticut, where he excelled academically. Seward began his political career as a Whig Party member in New York state, serving in various positions including as a state senator and U.S. Senator from 1849 to 1861. His political views were characterized by a strong commitment to anti-slavery principles, and he was an advocate for territorial expansion through the acquisition of Oregon Territory and Alaska (then known as Russian America). One of Seward's most notable achievements occurred in 1867 when he negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia, a deal that has come to be known as "Seward's Folly." Although criticized at the time, the Alaskan Purchase proved crucial for resource development and strategic military interests. In addition to his political career, Seward was a prolific writer. He authored several books, including "Address on the Oregon Question" (1845), "Speeches on Foreign Affairs" (1869), and "The Life of William Seward: Volumes I-IV" (1872). Seward's life and career were heavily influenced by his belief in the expansion and strengthening of the United States, both domestically and internationally. His quote, "We should have honesty and truth at all hazards, fearing nothing but the supreme displeasure of the Almighty," reflects his integrity and dedication to his principles throughout his political career. Seward died on October 10, 1872, in Auburn, New York.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The Senate has received the country like a precious deposit and will, with equal care, return it cleansed and purified."

This quote by William H. Seward highlights his belief that the role of the U.S. Senate is to act as custodians of the nation's values and ideals. They are tasked with receiving and preserving these principles, ensuring their integrity remains intact. In return, they will pass them back, refined and strengthened, symbolizing a cleaner and purified version of the country, ready for the next generation. It emphasizes the Senate's responsibility to maintain and improve upon the nation's core values during their time in office.

"We can have peace but at the price of precedents destructive to our nationality."

The quote suggests that achieving peace might require compromises or concessions, but if these compromises undermine a nation's identity or sovereignty, they could be detrimental in the long run. William H. Seward is cautioning that while peace may seem desirable, preserving national integrity should not be sacrificed for the sake of it. In other words, he warns against making hasty or ill-considered decisions at the expense of one's national character and independence.

"Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions."

This quote suggests that diplomacy is a skillful art form, where one can express strong disagreement or disapproval in a tactful manner, making the recipient understand their position without causing immediate conflict or offense. It implies that the message delivered may not be pleasing, but it's presented in such a way that the receiver might even ask for guidance on how to rectify the situation, rather than feel compelled to argue or retaliate. In essence, diplomacy is the delicate balance between assertiveness and respect, ensuring communication remains productive and peaceful despite differences.

"The Union is unbroken; the Union will be preserved."

This quote by William H. Seward, a statesman during the American Civil War, emphasizes unity, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. The "Union" he refers to is the United States of America, which was facing internal division during the civil war. His statement underscores his commitment to preserving the integrity and indivisibility of the nation, showing a strong resolve to overcome the challenges and maintain national unity despite the conflict.

"I care not whether Barracoona [Cuba] is free or is not free; our duty is to keep it out of the hands of Spain."

This quote by William H. Seward suggests that he was prioritizing U.S. interests above Cuban self-determination, advocating for the United States to maintain control over Cuba in order to prevent Spanish influence or rule. Essentially, his statement indicates a focus on geopolitical strategy and power dynamics rather than concerns for Cuban independence or freedom.

But assuming the same premises, to wit, that all men are equal by the law of nature and of nations, the right of property in slaves falls to the ground; for one who is equal to another cannot be the owner or property of that other.

- William H. Seward

Other, Slaves, Owner, Premises

I mean to say that Congress can hereafter decide whether any states, slave or free, can be framed out of Texas. If they should never be framed out of Texas, they never could be admitted.

- William H. Seward

Congress, Could, Admitted, Hereafter

To reduce this claim of slavery to an absurdity, it is only necessary to add that there are only two states in which slaves are a majority, and not one in which the slaveholders are not a very disproportionate minority.

- William H. Seward

Add, Reduce, Which, Claim

If slavery, limited as it yet is, now threatens to subvert the Constitution, how can we as wise and prudent statesmen, enlarge its boundaries and increase its influence, and thus increase already impending dangers?

- William H. Seward

Constitution, Dangers, Thus, Threatens

There is not only no free state which would now establish it, but there is no slave state, which, if it had had the free alternative as we now have, would have founded slavery.

- William H. Seward

Alternative, Which, Founded, Establish

Sir, there is no Christian nation, thus free to choose as we are, which would establish slavery.

- William H. Seward

Which, Christian Nation, Establish

The proposition of an established classification of states as slave states and free states, as insisted on by some, and into northern and southern, as maintained by others, seems to me purely imaginary, and of course the supposed equilibrium of those classes a mere conceit.

- William H. Seward

Some, Established, Conceit, Maintained

I submit, on the other hand, most respectfully, that the Constitution not merely does not affirm that principle, but, on the contrary, altogether excludes it.

- William H. Seward

Other, Submit, Principle, On The Contrary

I speak on due consideration because Britain, France, and Mexico, have abolished slavery, and all other European states are preparing to abolish it as speedily as they can.

- William H. Seward

Other, Britain, Abolish, Consideration

The right to have a slave implies the right in some one to make the slave; that right must be equal and mutual, and this would resolve society into a state of perpetual war.

- William H. Seward

War, Resolve, Some, Implies

Therefore, states are equal in natural rights.

- William H. Seward

Natural, Rights, Equal, Natural Rights

Simultaneously with the establishment of the Constitution, Virginia ceded to the United States her domain, which then extended to the Mississippi, and was even claimed to extend to the Pacific Ocean.

- William H. Seward

United, United States, Which, Pacific

But you answer, that the Constitution recognizes property in slaves. It would be sufficient, then, to reply, that this constitutional recognition must be void, because it is repugnant to the law of nature and of nations.

- William H. Seward

Constitution, Slaves, Void, Reply

It is the maintenance of slavery by law in a state, not parallels of latitude, that makes its a southern state; and the absence of this, that makes it a northern state.

- William H. Seward

Law, Absence, Southern, Maintenance

But there is a higher law than the Constitution, which regulates our authority over the domain, and devotes it to the same noble purposes.

- William H. Seward

Law, Over, Which, Purposes

There is a higher law than the Constitution.

- William H. Seward

Law, Constitution, Than, Higher

The United States are a political state, or organized society, whose end is government, for the security, welfare, and happiness of all who live under its protection.

- William H. Seward

United, United States, Organized

But the Constitution was made not only for southern and northern states, but for states neither northern nor southern, namely, the western states, their coming in being foreseen and provided for.

- William H. Seward

Constitution, Southern, Made, Western

It is true, indeed, that the national domain is ours. It is true it was acquired by the valor and with the wealth of the whole nation. But we hold, nevertheless, no arbitrary power over it.

- William H. Seward

Wealth, Over, Nevertheless, Acquired

I deem it established, then, that the Constitution does not recognize property in man, but leaves that question, as between the states, to the law of nature and of nations.

- William H. Seward

Constitution, Established, Recognize

But I deny that the Constitution recognizes property in man.

- William H. Seward

Man, Constitution, Deny, Property

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.