What we are reluctant to touch often seems the very fabric of our salvation.
Don DelilloRead
There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves. To all who entertain such fears I will most respectfully say that I entertain none. If man is not capable, and is not to be trusted with the government of himself, is he to be trusted with the government of others? Who, then, will govern? The answer must be, Man - for we have no angels in the shape of men, as yet, who are willing to take charge of our political affairs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the belief in humanity's ability to govern itself and questions the validity of mistrust in people's capacity for self-governance.
Andrew Johnson's quote reflects a fundamental belief in the integrity and capabilities of humanity. He argues against the skepticism surrounding self-governance, asserting that if people cannot be trusted to manage their own affairs, they cannot be trusted to manage those of others. This statement underscores the importance of faith in collective human judgment and political responsibility, asserting that since there are no perfect leaders, we must accept the inherent fallibility of mankind.
Themes
Self-GovernanceTrustHumanityPoliticsIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in an argument advocating for democracy over authoritarianism.
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