Prevent the American people from crossing the Rocky Mountains? You might as well command Niagara not to flow. We must fulfill our destiny.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author compares westward expansion to natural forces, suggesting it is inevitable.
- In plain terms
- You cannot stop people from moving west just like you cannot stop a river from flowing.
- What can you take from it?
- Historical movements often follow natural momentum beyond human control.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What forces drive historical change?
- Is destiny truly unavoidable?
Another view
It ignores the human costs and conflicts caused by such expansion.
More from James Buchanan
I like the noise of democracy.
Permalink to quote #12 The ballot box is the surest arbiter of disputes among free men.
Permalink to quote #14 I have no regret for any public act of my life, and history will vindicate my memory.
Permalink to quote #11
Related quotes
Go west, young man, and grow up with the country.
Horace GreeleyHorace Greeley quote #7 The settlement of America had its origins in the unsettlement of Europe. America came into existence when the European was already so distant from the ancient …
Lewis MumfordLewis Mumford quote #1 The growth of New England was a result of the aggregate efforts of a busy multitude, each in his narrow circle toiling for himself, to gather competence or wea…
Francis ParkmanFrancis Parkman quote #2