Liberty is not to be enjoyed, indeed it cannot exist, without the habits of just subordination; it consists, not so much in removing all restraint from the orderly, as in imposing it on the violent.
Fisher AmesRead
A large portion of our citizens, who will not believe, even on the evidence of facts, that any public evils exist, or are impending. They deride the apprehensions of those who foresee, that licentiousness will prove, as it ever has proved, fatal to liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the skepticism some individuals have towards warnings about societal issues, suggesting that ignorance can be detrimental to freedom.
Fisher Ames highlights the tendency of many individuals to dismiss legitimate concerns about societal problems, even in the face of clear evidence. He warns that a lack of awareness and a refusal to acknowledge potential dangers, particularly the threats posed by moral decay, can ultimately undermine liberty and lead to destructive consequences for society as a whole.
Themes
SocietyLibertyIgnoranceWarningFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal responsibility, I might quote Ames to emphasize the importance of being aware of public issues.
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