Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man – for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that humans, not angels or other supernatural beings, must govern our political affairs. It explains that we don't have perfect, angel-like people to lead us, so it's up to regular humans to govern and make decisions for our society. The quote emphasizes that since we don't have any superior, angelic leaders, ordinary people must take on the responsibility of governing.
About Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, took office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. He faced conflicts with the Republican-dominated Congress and was even impeached, but was acquitted. Despite his humble beginnings, Johnson had a long political career, serving as a senator, governor, and president.
More quotes from Andrew Johnson
Slavery exists. It is black in the South, and white in the North.
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Honest conviction is my courage; the Constitution is my guide.
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The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people.
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Legislation can neither be wise nor just which seeks the welfare of a single interest at the expense and to the injury of many and varied interests.
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It’s a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.
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If the rabble were lopped off at one end and the aristocrats at the other, all would be well with the country.
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I am sworn to uphold the Constitution as Andy Johnson understands it and interprets it.
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I hold it the duty of the executive to insist upon frugality in the expenditure, and a sparing economy is itself a great national source.
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If I am shot at, I want no man to be in the way of the bullet.
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Outside of the Constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad principle limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.
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There are no good laws but such as repeal other laws.
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Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man – for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.
president of the United States from 1865 to 1869
I feel incompetent to perform duties… which have been so unexpectedly thrown upon me.
president of the United States from 1865 to 1869