Robert Charles Winthrop
Robert Charles Winthrop
==========================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-------------------------------
Robert Charles Winthrop was an American politician, historian, and philanthropist. He is also known as R.C. Winthrop.
Birth and Death Dates
------------------------
Winthrop was born on December 1, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on November 16, 1894.
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
Winthrop was an American of English descent, and his professions included politician, historian, and philanthropist. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Winthrop was born into a prominent Boston family. His father, Thomas Lindall Winthrop, was a lawyer and a diplomat who had served as the Governor of Massachusetts. Robert Charles Winthrop grew up in an environment that valued education and public service. He attended Harvard University, where he developed his passion for history and politics.
Major Accomplishments
------------------------
Winthrop's notable achievements include:
Serving as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1856 to 1859.
Being a member of the United States Senate from 1850 to 1854.
Playing a key role in the establishment of the Massachusetts Historical Society.Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Winthrop's contributions extend beyond his political career. He wrote several books and articles, including:
The Life and Times of George Washington, a two-volume biography that remains a classic in American historical literature.
Memoirs of the Winthrop Family, which documented the history of his family.Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Winthrop's impact on American politics and society is significant. He was a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and social welfare. His work with the Massachusetts Historical Society helped to preserve American historical records and promote public understanding of the country's past.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
------------------------------------------
Robert Charles Winthrop's quotes and writings continue to inspire and educate people today. He is remembered for his wisdom on:
Leadership: "The true test of leadership is how well you function when you are not in charge."
History: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
Public Service: "A public man has no right even in the sacred interests of his party, to sacrifice the interests of the people."
Quotes by Robert Charles Winthrop
Slavery is but half abolished, emancipation is but half completed, while millions of freeman with votes in their hands are left without education.
In what region of the earth ever so remote from us, in what corner of creation ever so far out of the range of our communication, does not some burden lightened, some bond loosened, some yoke lifted, some labor better remunerated, some new hope for despairing hearts, some new light or new liberty for the benighted or the oppressed, bear witness this day, and trace itself, directly or indirectly, back to the impulse given to the world by the successful establishment and operation of free institutions on this American continent?
Without Virginia, as we must all acknowledge--without her Patrick Henry among the people, her Lees and Jefferson in the forum, and her Washington in the field--I will not say that the cause of American liberty and American independence must have been ultimately defeated--no, no, there was no ultimate defeat for that cause in the decrees of the Most High; but it must have been delayed, postponed, perplexed, and to many eyes and hearts rendered seemingly hopeless.
The noblest contribution which any man can make for the benefit of posterity, is that of character. The richest bequest which any man can leave to the youth of his native land, is that of a shining, spotless example.
Slavery is but half abolished, emancipation is but half completed, while millions of freemen with votes in their hands are left without education. Justice to them, the welfare of the States in which they live, the safety of the whole Republic, the dignity of the elective franchise, - all alike demand that the still remaining bonds of ignorance shall be unloosed and broken, and the minds as well as the bodies of the emancipated go free.
The poor must be wisely visited and liberally cared for, so that mendicity shall not be tempted into mendacity, nor want exasperated into crime.
Our country - whether bounded by the St. John's and the Sabine, or however otherwise bounded or described, and be the measurements more or less; - still our country, to be cherished in all our hearts, and to be defended by all our hands.
Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the word of God, or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible, or by the bayonet.