Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Governments exist to serve the people, and they have the right to change or abolish inadequate governments.
George Mason emphasizes that the primary purpose of government is to ensure the welfare, safety, and benefit of its citizens. If a government fails to fulfill these responsibilities, the people have the inherent right to reform or dismantle it in order to create a system that promotes the common good, reflecting the principles of democracy and public accountability.
Themes
GovernmentBenefitPeopleRightsChangeCommon Good
In practice
Example use cases
During a political rally, to inspire citizens to take action against unjust governance.
More from George Mason
All quotes βEvery 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
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
To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.
George MasonRead
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