Political Quotes

On the record
But I do fear a quarrelsome pilot, unused to the sea, but pretentious in command, who occupies himself in loading aboard his own unserviceable relations and personal patrons, while he drives away the experienced seamen who know the craft and her voyage.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner critiques leadership that prioritizes personal connections over competence.

Share

More from Charles Sumner

They are but leaders of the two contending factions into which the Slave Power is divided.

gutenberg.org

I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.

gutenberg.org

It is true, doubtless, that there are various races of men; but there is but one great Human Family, in which Caucasian, Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian are all brothers, children of one Father, and heirs to one happiness.

gutenberg.org

Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation