Politics is the most hazardous of all professions. There is not another in which a man can hope to do so much good to his fellow creatures; neither is there any in which by a mere loss of nerve he may do such widespread harm. Nor is there another in which he may so easily lose his own soul; nor is there another in which a positive and strict veracity is so difficult. But danger is the inseparable companion of honor. With all the temptations and degradations that beset it, politics is still the noblest career any man can choose.
Andrew Oliver (1706-1774) American Colonial merchant, politician, government official
Speech (1774?)
(Source)
I cannot find an original source for this. It shows up frequently in the US Congressional Record, especially after it was used by Adlai Stevenson in a 1952 campaign speech.
It is also attributed to his same-named son (1731-1799), who founded the Political Journal.
