Man, in spite of his fatal degradation, bears always the evident marks of his divine origin, in that every universal belief is always more or less true.
Joseph De MaistreRead
A constitution that is made for all nations is made for none.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A universal constitution cannot effectively address the unique needs of individual nations.
Joseph De Maistre's quote reflects the idea that while a constitution may be designed with a broad, universal perspective, it fails to account for the specific cultural, historical, and social contexts of different nations. Thus, a one-size-fits-all approach is likely to be ineffective, as it does not cater to the distinct characteristics and requirements of individual societies.
Themes
ConstitutionNationsPoliticsGovernanceLaws
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the effectiveness of international treaties, one might say, 'As Joseph De Maistre pointed out, a constitution that is made for all nations is made for none.'
More from Joseph De Maistre
All quotes βMan is insatiable for power; he is infantile in his desires and, always discontented with what he has, loves only what he has not. People complain of the despotism of princes; they ought to complain of the despotism of man.
Joseph De MaistreRead
False opinions are like false money, struck first of all by guilty men and thereafter circulated by honest people who perpetuate the crime without knowing what they are doing.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Reason speaks in words alone, but love has a song.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Man in harmony with his Creator is sublime, and his action is creative; equally, once he separates himself from God and acts alone, he does not cease to be powerful, since this is the privilege of his nature, but his acts are negative and lead only to destruction.
Joseph De MaistreRead
Wherever an altar is found, there civilization exists.
Joseph De MaistreRead
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