John Randolph (1773–1833,) known as John Randolph of Roanoke, was an American political leader. He was one of the principal proponents of the doctrine of states’ rights against the centralized authority of the federal government.
Born in Prince George County, Virginia, Randolph was a descendant of prominent colonial families of Virginia and the Indian princess Pocahontas. He studied at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and Columbia College, New York City.
Randolph served in the U.S. House of Representatives for much of 1799–1829 (and as U.S. senator from Virginia 1825–26.) He established a reputation for his debating skill and his biting sarcasm. He advocated for state sovereignty and opposed a national bank, protective tariffs, federally financed internal improvements (such as roads and canals,) and federal interference with the institution of slavery.
In 1830, Randolph served as President Andrew Jackson’s special envoy to Russia, but he returned after only a few weeks due to ill health.
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Time is at once the most valuable and the most perishable of all our possessions.
—John Randolph
That most delicious of all privileges—spending other people’s money.
—John Randolph
The surest way to prevent war is not to fear it.
—John Randolph
Mean spirits under disappointment, like small beer in a thunderstorm, always turn sour.
—John Randolph
Topics: Disappointment, Anger
We all know our duty better than we discharge it.
—John Randolph
Life is not so important as the duties of life.
—John Randolph
The principle of liberty and equality, if coupled with mere selfishness, will make men only devils, each trying to be independent that he may fight only for his own interest.—And here is the need of religion and its power, to bring in the principle of benevolence and love to men.
—John Randolph
Topics: Liberty, Equality
Reprove not, in their wrath, excited men; good counsel comes all out of season then; but when their fury is appeased and past, they will perceive their faults, and mend at last. When he is cool and calm, then utter it.
—John Randolph
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