Carolina QuotesWell may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.
James K. Polk Carolinian
Source
Inaugural Address (4 March 1845).
- form
- speech
- year
- 1845
Cite this record
“Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurr…” James K. Polk. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-46C137544B. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/46c137544b
More from James K. Polk
It becomes us, in humility, to make our devout acknowledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for the inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we are favored.
With me it is emphatically true that the presidency is "no bed of roses."
Although in our country the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party and stand pledged to its principles and measures, yet in his official action he should not be the President of a part only, but of the whole people of the United States. While he executes the laws with an impartial hand, shrinks from no proper responsibility, and faithfully carries out in the executive department of the Government the principles and policy of those who have chosen him, he should not be unmindful that our fellow-citizens who have differed with him in opinion are entitled to the full and free exercise of their opinions and judgments, and that the rights of all are entitled to respect and regard.