My friends are not worth the powder and shot it would take to kill them!... If there were two Henry Clays, one of them would make the other President of the United States!... It is a diabolical intrigue, I know now, which has betrayed me. I am the most unfortunate man in the history of parties: always run by my friends when sure to be defeated, and now betrayed for a nomination when I, or any one, would be sure of an election.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker feels betrayed by friends and believes political ambition caused his downfall.
- In plain terms
- I trusted friends who let me down.
- What can you take from it?
- Be cautious about relying solely on allies for success.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who truly supports you?
- How does ambition affect loyalty?
Another view
It focuses on personal grievance rather than systemic issues.
More from Henry Clay
Precedents deliberately established by wise men are entitled to great weight. They are evidence of truth, but only evidence...But a solitary precedent...which …
Permalink to quote #8 I have heard something said about allegiance to the South. I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance... The Union, sir, is my …
Permalink to quote #10 The arts of power and its minions are the same in all countries and in all ages. It marks its victim; denounces it; and excites the public odium and the public…
Permalink to quote #7
Related quotes
'Don't fear your best friend, cause a best friend would never try to do you wrong. And don't fear your worst friend, cause a worst friend's just a best friend …
Michael FrantiMichael Franti quote #8 Hitler does not remain faithful to anybody, he will betray you sometime also!
Erich LudendorffErich Ludendorff quote #9 The real tragedy is that there are some ignorant brothers out here. That's why I'm not on this all-White or all Black shit. I'm on this all-real or all fake sh…
Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur quote #34