William Gaston

North Carolina · born or raised1778–1844

American politician from North Carolina (1778–1844)

Born in New Bern
Died in Raleigh
Worked in Raleigh

Quotations with a citation

I hold, that, generally, every man is the architect of his own fortune, the author of his own greatness or insignificance, happiness or misery.

Integrity is the crowning virtue--integrity is the pervading principle which ought to regulate, guide, control, and vivify, every impulse desire and action.

Let youth be ever modest, ever deferential to the counsels, the suggestions and the claims of others. But in matters of right and wrong, whatever be the lures, the taunts, or the usages of the world, or whatever the supposed inconveniences of singularity, let judgment and conscience always rule with absolute sway. Carry this maxim with you through life, whatever be the station you are to occupy, or the business you are to pursue and carry with it another kindred maxim, rely for success in your undertakings, not on the patronage of others, but on your own capacity, resolution, diligence, and exertions. Rise by merit, or rise not at all.

Labour is not more the duty, than the blessing of man. Without it, there is neither mental nor physical vigour, health, cheerfulness, nor animation; neither the eagerness of hope, nor the capacity to enjoy.

Disguise the truth as we may, and throw the blame where we will, it is Slavery which, more than any other cause, keeps us back in the career of improvement. It stifles industry and represses enterprize--it is fatal to economy and providence--it discourages skill--impairs our strength as a community, and poisons morals at the fountain head.