In 1840 I was called from my farm to undertake the administration of public affairs and I foresaw that I was called to a bed of thorns.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker reflects on being called from private farm life to public office which proved difficult and burdensome.
- In plain terms
- I left my farm for politics and found it full of trouble.
- What can you take from it?
- Public office often brings hardship.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Was public service worth the cost?
- What makes a task difficult?
Another view
Not all public service is painful.
More from John Tyler
If the tide of defamation and abuse shall turn, and my administration come to be praised, future Vice-Presidents who may succeed to the Presidency may feel som…
Permalink to quote #3 Patronage is the sword and cannon by which war may be made on the liberty of the human race.
Permalink to quote #5 I now leave that bed which has afforded me little rest, and eagerly seek repose in the quiet enjoyments of rural life.
Permalink to quote #2
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