On receiving from the people the sacred trust twice confided on my illustrious predecessor, and which he has discharged so faithfully and so well, I know that I can not expect to perform the arduous task with equal ability and success.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He acknowledges the difficulty of his role compared to his predecessor.
- In plain terms
- I know I might not do as well as the leader before me.
- What can you take from it?
- Humility in leadership is key to managing expectations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle high expectations?
- What makes a leader successful?
Another view
Humility can sometimes be mistaken for lack of confidence.
More from Martin Van Buren
No evil can result from its inhibition more pernicious than its toleration.
Permalink to quote #7 The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity.
Permalink to quote #9 It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.
Permalink to quote #6
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