6 Quotes & Sayings By Martin Van Buren

Martin Van Buren was born in Kinderhook, New York and was one of the seven children of a Dutch Protestant family. He became a lawyer and moved to New York City, where he practiced law for eight years. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1828 and served there through 1837. During his time in the Senate, Van Buren consolidated his political power, becoming one of the two most powerful men in America Read more

He was also a member of the Whig Party and strongly opposed slavery. After serving in the Senate, Van Buren served in various posts under President William Henry Harrison until his death on July 12, 1840 in New York City.

1
The second sober thought of the people is seldom wrong and always efficient. Martin Van Buren
2
I tread in the footsteps of illustrious men... in receiving from the people the sacred trust confided to my illustrious predecessor. Martin Van Buren
3
The less government interferes with private pursuits, the better for general prosperity. Martin Van Buren
4
The government should not be guided by Temporary Excitement, but by Sober Second Thought. Martin Van Buren
5
In a government whose distinguishing characteristic should be a diffusion and equalization of its benefits and burdens the advantage of individuals will be augmented at the expense of the community at large. Martin Van Buren