Henry Adams to young FDR

Henry Adams with dog Marquis from Wikipedia

Young man, I have lived in this house many years and seen the occupants of that White House across the square come and go, and nothing that you minor officials or the occupants of that house can do will affect the history of the world for long.

Believe he said this to FDR when Frank was assistant secretary of the Navy.  Quote from Old Money by Nelson Aldrich.