Henry Clay

I had rather be right than be President.

In all the affairs of life, social as well as political, courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest to the grateful and appreciating heart.

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.

All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.