Contend Quote by John C. Calhoun
“When we contend, let us contend for all our rights - the doubtful and the certain, the unimportant and essential. It is as easy to contend, or even more so, for the whole as for a part. At the termination of the contest, secure all that our wisdom and valour and the fortune of war will permit.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Senate, 1832
Advocates fighting for every right, both minor and major, as a whole rather than in fragments, and seeking wisdom and courage in the outcome.
In simple terms: Fight for all rights, big and small, with wisdom and courage.
Defend every right, not just the obvious ones.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal battles
- civil rights movements
- military campaigns
- negotiations
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Which rights are truly essential versus symbolic?
- How can we balance comprehensive defense with strategic focus?
May overlook practical limits of resources and cause overextension.