19+ James Buchanan Quotes (Leadership, Diplomacy And Legacy)

James Buchanan is the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. He was the only president from the Whig Party and the last president to be born in the 18th century. He is most remembered for his failure to avert the secession of the Southern states from the Union in the years leading up to the Civil War.

The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men. — James Buchanan

The storm of frenzy and faction must inevitably dash itself in vain against the unshaken rock of the Constitution. — James Buchanan

Our union rests upon public opinion, and can never be cemented by the blood of its citizens shed in civil war. — James Buchanan

To avoid entangling alliances has been a maxim of our policy ever since the days of Washington, and its wisdom no one will attempt to dispute. — James Buchanan

If you are as happy in entering the White House as I shall feel on returning to Wheatland, you are a happy man indeed. — James Buchanan

If you are as happy, my dear sir, on entering this house as I am in leaving it and returning home, you are the happiest man in this country. — James Buchanan

The distribution of patronage of the Government is by far the most disagreeable duty of the President. — James Buchanan

The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there. — James Buchanan

Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results; and these will, ere long, astonish the world. — James Buchanan

There is nothing stable but Heaven and the Constitution. — James Buchanan

What is right and what is practicable are two different things. — James Buchanan

I like the noise of democracy. — James Buchanan

Abstract propositions should never be discussed by a legislative body. — James Buchanan

I am the last President of the United States! — James Buchanan

The Government of the United States possesses no power whatever over the question of religion. — James Buchanan

I have gone wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any of them. — James Buchanan

The course of events is so rapidly hastening forward that the emergency may soon arise when you may be called upon to decide the momentous question whether you possess the power by force of arms to compel a State to remain in the Union — James Buchanan

All the friends that I loved and wanted to reward are dead, and all the enemies that I hated and I had marked out for punishment are turned to my friends. — James Buchanan

Whatever the result may be, I shall carry to my grave the consciousness that I at least meant well for my country. — James Buchanan

Life Lessons by James Buchanan

1. James Buchanan taught us the importance of having a strong moral compass and staying true to your beliefs even when it is difficult.
2. He also showed us the power of compromise and the ability to negotiate with others to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
3. Lastly, he demonstrated the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and being accountable for the consequences of those actions.