Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
George MasonRead
In all our associations; in all our agreements let us never lose sight of this fundamental maxim - that all power was originally lodged in, and consequently is derived from, the people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that all power in governance originates from the people and should remain accountable to them.
George Mason asserts the principle that the authority of the government and its power are fundamentally derived from the consent of the governed. He highlights the importance of ensuring that in all societal interactions and agreements, this core belief should never be forgotten, reminding us that the people hold the ultimate sovereignty in any political or social structure.
Themes
PowerPeopleGovernanceSovereigntyPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political speech to emphasize democratic values.
More from George Mason
All quotes →Every society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.
George MasonRead
There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
George MasonRead
Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community... when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
George MasonRead
As much as I value an union of all the states, I would not admit the southern states into the union, unless they agreed to the discontinuance of this disgraceful trade, because it would bring weakness and not strength to the union.
George MasonRead
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
George MasonRead
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Which, I wonder, brother reader, is the better lot, to die prosperous and famous, or poor and disappointed? To have, and to be forced to yield; or to sink out of life, having played and lost the game? That must be a strange feeling, when a day of our life comes and we say, 'To-morrow, success or failure won't matter much; and the sun will rise, and all the myriads of mankind go to their work or their pleasure as usual, but I shall be out of the turmoil.'
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We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.
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Let no act be done without purpose.
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