I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me

Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem.

Only events and not a man's exertions in his own behalf, can make a President

All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind.

If I were two faced, would I be wearing this one?

What I do say is that no man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.