25 William Henry Harrison Quotes Unveiling His Wisdom

Finding the best William Henry Harrison quotes might not be that easy for some.

If you are one of them, just take a look at our list of quotes from William Henry Harrison.

This list could be more than helpful for you.

In addition to our quotes section, you can also find relevant information about William Henry Harrison and his political career.

So, let’s dive in!

A Brief Introduction to William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison is a renowned name in history.

He was the ninth President of the United States.

Harrison also made significant contributions to American history. 

Although he only served for 32 days in office, Harrison’s legacy still relates to the early days of the United States.

Early Life 

William Henry Harrison was born in Charles City County, Virginia, on February 9, 1773.

He belonged to a family with a strong political background.

During his youth, he joined the military and distinctively served in the War of 1812 and the Northwest Indian War. 

Due to his unmatched performance on the battlefield, Harrison was nicknamed “Old Tippecanoe.”

This name was given due to his victory at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Presidential Campaigns

In 1840, Harrison campaigned for the presidency, which proved to be a turning point in the history of American politics. 

He was presented as a “Common Man”, who portrayed himself as a simple farmer.

The unique elements of his campaign included:

• Symbols
• Slogans 
• Catchy Jingles

At that time, it was the most unconventional type of political campaign. 

The Tragedy

The tenure of Harrison’s presidency couldn’t last more than 32 days.

The reason for such a short tenure was Harrison’s tragic death. 

Shortly after his inauguration speech, Harrison contracted pneumonia.

Even after extensive medical care, Harrison succumbed to illness and died on April 4, 1841. 

His tenure is known as the shortest tenure of any U.S. president. 

After his death, John Tyler (Vice President) assumed the presidency.

Historical Context and Reflection

William Henry Harrison became president during a transition period. 

This is so, as the nation was tackling the issues of territorial disputes and westward expansion.

Harrison’s military background and his connection with the above-mentioned issues allowed him to make influential decisions.

Top 5 William Henry Harrison Quotes 

In this section, you’ll review the top quotes from William Henry Harrison.

1. “Times change, and we change with them.” — William Henry Harrison

2. “To Englishmen, life is a topic, not an activity.” — William Henry Harrison

3. “The plea of necessity, that eternal argument of all conspirators.” — William Henry Harrison

4. “The virtue of its Citizens is the only Support of a Republican government.” — William Henry Harrison

5. “I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free.” — William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison Quotes About Government 

William Henry Harrison had the experience of running government. And these quotes contain various important things about running a government.

6. “A decent and manly examination of the acts of government should not only be tolerated but encouraged.” — William Henry Harrison

7. “All the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.” — William Henry Harrison

8. “Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the government. I wish they carried it out. I ask nothing more.” — William Henry Harrison

9. “The prudent capitalist will never adventure his capital . . . if there exists a state of uncertainty as to whether the Government will repeal tomorrow what it has enacted today.” — William Henry Harrison

10. “We admit of no government by divine right, believing that so far as power is concerned the Beneficent Creator has made no distinction amongst men; that all are upon an equality, and that the only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed.” — William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison Quotes About Democracy 

William Henry Harrison shares his views on democracy in the following quotes.

11. “By a selection of political instruments for the care of the public money, a reference to their commissions by a President would be quite as effectual an argument as that of Caesar to the Roman knight.” — William Henry Harrison

12. “The people are the best guardians of their own rights, and it is the duty of their executive to abstain from interfering in or thwarting the sacred exercise of the lawmaking functions of their government.” — William Henry Harrison

13. “There is no part of the means placed in the hands of the Executive which might be used with greater effect for unhallowed purposes than the control of the public press. The maxim which our ancestors derived from the mother country that “the freedom of the press is the great bulwark of civil and religious liberty” is one of the most precious legacies which they have left us.” — William Henry Harrison 

14. “The broad foundation upon which our Constitution rests being the people-a breath of theirs having made, as a breath can unmake, change, or modify it–it can be assigned to none of the great divisions of government but to that of democracy. If such is its theory, those who are called upon to administer it must recognize as its leading principle the duty of shaping their measures so as to produce the greatest good to the greatest number.” — William Henry Harrison 

15. “Fellow citizens, being fully invested with that high office to which the partiality of my countrymen has called me, I now take an affectionate leave of you. You will bear with you to your homes the remembrance of the pledge I have this day given to discharge all the high duties of my exalted station according to the best of my ability, and I shall enter upon their performance with entire confidence in the support of a just and generous people.” — William Henry Harrison 

William Henry Harrison Quotes About Power Use 

In this section, William Henry Harrison shares the drawbacks of power.

16. “The chains of military despotism, once fastened upon a nation, ages might pass away before they could be shaken off.” — William Henry Harrison

17. “There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.” — William Henry Harrison

18. “Is one of the fairest portions of the globe to remain in a state of nature, the haunt of a few wretched savages, when it seems destined by the Creator to give support to a large population and to be the seat of civilization?” — William Henry Harrison 

19. “But with these broad admissions, if we would compare the sovereignty acknowledged to exist in the mass of our people with the power claimed by other sovereignties, even by those which have been considered most purely democratic, we shall find an essential difference.” — William Henry Harrison  

20. “If parties in a republic are necessary to secure a degree of vigilance sufficient to keep the public functionaries within the bounds of law and duty, at that point, their usefulness ends. Beyond that, they become destructive of public virtue, the parent of a spirit antagonist to that of liberty, and eventually its inevitable conqueror.” — William Henry Harrison 

More William Henry Harrison Quotes 

Some quotes from William Henry Harrison will make you understand his personality better.

21. “The liberties of a people depend on their own constant attention to its preservation.” — William Henry Harrison

22. “Conscience, that vicegerent of God in the human heart, whose “still small voice”  the loudest revelry cannot drown.” — William Henry Harrison

23. “Sound morals, religious liberty, and a just sense of religious responsibility are essentially connected with all true and lasting happiness.” — William Henry Harrison

24. “All the lessons of history and experience must be lost upon us if we are content to trust alone to the peculiar advantages we happen to possess.” — William Henry Harrison

25. “There is another ground for the adoption of the veto principle, which had probably more influence in recommending it to the Convention than any other.” — Willian Henry Harrison 

Which of these William Henry Harrison Quotes is your Favorite? 

William Henry Harrison was president of the U.S. for just 32 days.

However, he left an indelible mark on American politics, military, and campaigning methods.

This is why he is regarded as a strong personality in the historic arena of the United States. 

People are still inspired by his way of political campaigning.

As a result, they share William Henry Harrison’s quotes to acknowledge what he has done for the country. 

If you want to share such quotes, this article can be helpful.

You can find your favorite William Henry Harrison quote by going through our comprehensive list.

Once you have found one, do share it with us via the comments section.

We are looking forward to your reply.