“Being elected to Congress, though I am very grateful to our friends for having done it, has not pleased me as much as I expected.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
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Quote
“Being elected to Congress, though I am very grateful to our friends for having done it, has not pleased me as much as I expected.”
Explanation
This quote reflects a sense of disappointment or unexpected reality upon assuming a significant position, in this case, a role in Congress. The speaker, while expressing gratitude to those who supported their election, admits that the honor of holding office has not lived up to their expectations. This could point to the challenges and difficulties of political life that are not immediately apparent from the outside, such as the compromises, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the often frustrating nature of the work. The quote speaks to the disillusionment that can arise when the idealized notion of public service clashes with the practical realities of governance.
In historical context, this sentiment has been expressed by many individuals who enter public office with great hopes but find the job to be more burdensome and complicated than anticipated. For example, Abraham Lincoln himself, after his election to the presidency, faced tremendous personal and political pressures during the Civil War that were far more than he had imagined when he first entered politics. The reality of leadership, especially in times of crisis, can often feel overwhelming, as the weight of responsibility is far greater than what an individual might have envisioned during their candidacy.
In modern times, this feeling of disillusionment is not uncommon in politics. Many politicians, after winning elections, express similar sentiments as they are confronted with the complexities of governance, the need for constant compromise, and the pressures of public opinion. It highlights how the idealistic view of public office may not always align with the practical demands of the role, leading some to question whether the sacrifices and challenges are worth the outcome.
