If you wish to avoid foreign collision, you had better abandon the ocean.

Meaning of the quote

If you want to avoid problems with other countries, you should stop using the ocean. This quote suggests that by avoiding the use of the ocean and international trade, a country can prevent conflicts with other nations. It implies that being involved in global activities and relationships can lead to potential clashes, so the best option is to isolate oneself and withdraw from the international sphere.

About Henry Clay

Henry Clay Sr. was a renowned American lawyer and statesman who represented Kentucky in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He served as the seventh House speaker and the ninth secretary of state, and was known as the “Great Compromiser” for his role in defusing sectional crises. Clay unsuccessfully ran for president three times but left a lasting impact on American politics.

More about the author

More quotes from Henry Clay

I would rather be right than President.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

If you wish to avoid foreign collision, you had better abandon the ocean.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

I have heard something said about allegiance to the South. I know no South, no North, no East, no West, to which I owe any allegiance.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

I had rather be right than be President.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

Statistics are no substitute for judgment.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

An oppressed people are authorized whenever they can to rise and break their fetters.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

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

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)

The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.

Henry Clay

American politician from Kentucky (1777-1852)