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No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue.
George Mason
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A free government and liberty can only be sustained through commitment to moral principles and self-restraint.

George Mason's quote emphasizes the vital role that justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue play in maintaining a free government and the blessings of liberty. It suggests that societal well-being and freedom are not merely given but must be actively preserved by the people's adherence to these moral and ethical values, underscoring the responsibility of individuals in any democratic society.

Themes

GovernmentLibertyJusticeModerationVirtueFreedom

In practice

Example use cases

In a political debate to underscore the importance of virtue in governance.

More from George Mason

Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
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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.
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There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
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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.
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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.
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All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
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