Sir, if you are as happy in entering the White House as I shall feel on returning to Wheatland, you are a happy man indeed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Buchanan expresses relief at leaving the presidency and going home to Wheatland.
- In plain terms
- He is happier returning home than any new president would be entering office.
- What can you take from it?
- Leaving power can bring more joy than gaining it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does leaving office bring relief?
- What is the value of private life?
Another view
Some leaders find power fulfilling rather than burdensome.
More from James Buchanan
It is said that serious apprehensions are to some extent entertained (in which I do not share) that the peace of this District may be disturbed before the 4th …
Permalink to quote #6 Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results; and these will, ere long, astonish the world.
Permalink to quote #8 The course of events is so rapidly hastening forward that the emergency may soon arise when you may be called upon to decide the momentous question whether you…
Permalink to quote #5
Related quotes
'...it is not when he is working in his office but when he is lying idly on the sand that his soul utters, 'Life is beautiful.'' (p. 2)
Lin YutangLin Yutang quote #1 Music was his life, it was not his livelihood, And it made him feel so happy and it made him feel so good. And he sang from his heart and he sang from his soul…
Harry ChapinHarry Chapin quote #5 All the same, there is a difficulty. I should like him to be happy in heaven here, But he cannot come by wishing. Only by being already at home here.
Stevie SmithStevie Smith quote #9