"Sometimes I wake at night in the White House and rub my eyes and wonder if it is not all a dream"
- Grover Cleveland
About this Quote
This quote by Grover Cleveland speaks to the surreal nature of his experience as President of the United States. It is a reflection of the awe and question he felt at remaining in such an effective position, and the sense of obligation that features it. It is a suggestion that no matter how powerful one may be, they are still human and can be overwhelmed by the magnitude of their position. It is also a pointer that no matter just how much power one might have, they are still subject to the impulses of fate and can never ever ensure the future. This quote speaks to the humbleness and self-awareness of Grover Cleveland, and his understanding of the fragility of life and power.
"When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land"