By almost universal agreement, the most vague and ineffectual of all [Presidents] was Millard Fillmore, who succeeded to the office in 1850 upon the death of Zachary Taylor, and spent the next three years demonstrating how the country would have been run if they had just propped Taylor up in a chair with cushions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker describes a historical figure as ineffective, suggesting they did nothing but imitate their predecessor.
- In plain terms
- Millard Fillmore was a useless president who just pretended to be the previous president.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership requires action rather than mere presence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a leader ineffective?
- Is presence enough in office?
Another view
It relies on a single metaphor to dismiss an entire administration.
More from Bill Bryson
Excuse me, but I have to say this. You are more stupid than a paramecium.
Permalink to quote #19 America is an outstandingly dangerous place. Consider this: every year in New Hampshire a dozen or more people are killed crashing their cars into moose. Now c…
Permalink to quote #21 I have long known that it is part of God's plan for me to spend a little time with each of the most stupid people on earth, and Mary Ellen was proof that even …
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
I am the last President of the United States!
James BuchananJames Buchanan quote #4 When you have sweated, toiled, had mad dreams, hopeless nightmares, you find yourself in London's streets, cold and dank in the night air. Think - what have I …
Michael CollinsMichael Collins quote #1 Stalin's methods did not help.
Anastas MikoyanAnastas Mikoyan quote #1