James Monroe Quotes

#1. Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete.

James Monroe

#2. It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising their sovereignty.

James Monroe

#3. In wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do

James Monroe

#4. By these purchases the Indian title, with moderate reservations, has been extinguished to the whole of the land within the limits of the State of Ohio, and to a part of that in the Michigan Territory and of the State of Indiana.

James Monroe

#5. A little flattery will support a man through great fatigue.

James Monroe

#6. I regret that I should leave this world without again beholding him.

James Monroe

#7. The emigrants although of different parties and different religious sects all flew from persecution in pursuit of liberty.

James Monroe

#8. The great increase of our population throughout the Union will alone produce an important effect, and in no quarter will it be so sensibly felt as in those in contemplation.

James Monroe

#9. The right of self defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals, and whether the attack be made by Spain herself or by those who abuse her power, its obligation is not the less strong.

James Monroe

#10. If it was wise, manly, and patriotic for us to establish a free government, it is equally wise to attend to the necessary means of its preservation.

James Monroe

#11. The movements of a great nation are connected in all their parts. If errors have been committed they ought to be corrected; if the policy is sound it ought to be supported.

James Monroe

#12. History has shown that at least one-half of every century is consumed in war.

James Monroe

#13. I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrage of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protect which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.

James Monroe

#14. We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties.

James Monroe

#15. Let us by wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties.

James Monroe

#16. A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.

James Monroe

#17. The civil war which has so long prevailed between Spain and the Provinces in South America still continues, without any prospect of its speedy termination.

James Monroe

#18. The earth was given to mankind to support the greatest number of which it is capable, and no tribe or people have a right to withhold from the wants of others more than is necessary for their own support and comfort.

James Monroe

#19. Preparation for war is a constant stimulus to suspicion and ill will.

James Monroe

#20. While we assert for ourselves a freedom to embrace, to profess, and to observe, the Religion which we believe to be of divine origin, we cannot deny an equal freedom to them whose minds have not yielded to the evidence which has convinced us.

James Monroe

#21. There is a price tag on human liberty. That price is the willingness to assume the responsibilities of being free men. Payment of this price is a personal matter with each of us.

James Monroe

#22. The mention of Greece fills the mind with the most exalted sentiments and arouses in our bosoms the best feelings of which our nature is capable.

James Monroe

#23. In a representative republic, the education of our children must be of the utmost importance!

James Monroe

#24. I have great satisfaction in stating that our relations with France, Russia, and other powers continue on the most friendly basis.

James Monroe

#25. Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all - liberty!

James Monroe

#26. From several of the Indian tribes inhabiting the country bordering on Lake Erie purchases have been made of lands on conditions very favorable to the United States, and, as it is presumed, not less so to the tribes themselves.

James Monroe

#27. The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best advantage for the nation.

James Monroe

#28. The American continents, by the free and independent condition by which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

James Monroe

#29. [In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in their places.

James Monroe

#30. During the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress and George Washington - I call him the first George W. - (laughter and applause) - urged citizens to pray and to give thanks and to ask for God's protection.

James Monroe

#31. If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy.

James Monroe

#32. If America wants concessions, she must fight for them. We must purchase our power with our blood.

James Monroe

#33. It is better to spread trust all around than to hand out money!

James Monroe

#34. The liberty, prosperity, and the happiness of our country will always be the object of my most fervent prayers to the Supreme Author of All Good.

James Monroe

#35. By the last returns to the Department of War the militia force of the several States may be estimated at 800,000 men - infantry, artillery, and cavalry.

James Monroe

#36. At no period of our political existence had we so much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.

James Monroe

#37. To impose taxes when the public exigencies require them is an obligation of the most sacred character, especially with a free people.

James Monroe

#38. In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, not does it comport with our policy so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defence.

James Monroe

#39. The payments which have been made into the Treasury show the very productive state of the public revenue.

James Monroe

#40. Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive.

James Monroe

#41. Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session.

James Monroe

#42. National honor is the national property of the highest value.

James Monroe

#43. The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil.

James Monroe