I have no regret for any public act of my life, and history will vindicate my memory.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Buchanan expresses confidence that he has no regrets about his public actions and that history will prove him right.
- In plain terms
- He feels no regret for his public acts and trusts history will agree.
- What can you take from it?
- Self-confidence in public service requires faith in historical judgment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you judge your own legacy?
- Can history clear a reputation?
Another view
History may judge actions differently than the actor intends.
More from James Buchanan
Abstract propositions should never be discussed by a legislative body.
Permalink to quote #10 I like the noise of democracy.
Permalink to quote #12 What is right and what is practicable are two different things.
Permalink to quote #9
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