A good government implies two things; first, fidelity to the objects of the government; secondly, a knowledge of the means, by which those objects can be best attained.
Joseph StoryRead
How much more do they deserve our reverence and praise, whose lives are devoted to the formation of institutions, which, when they and their children are mingled in the common dust, may continue to cherish the principles and the practice of liberty in perpetual freshness and vigour.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote acknowledges the importance of those who dedicate their lives to building enduring institutions that uphold liberty.
Joseph Story emphasizes the significance of individuals who commit themselves to creating institutions that promote liberty. He suggests that these institutions serve not only their founders but also future generations, ensuring that the values of freedom and justice remain vibrant and influential long after the founders are gone. The quote highlights the permanence of such contributions to society, which deserve our deepest respect and appreciation.
Themes
LibertyInstitutionsEducationPraiseReverence
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students about the value of contributions to society.
More from Joseph Story
All quotes →Temporary delusions, prejudices, excitements, and objects have irresistible influence in mere questions of policy. And the policy of one age may ill suit the wishes or the policy of another. The constitution is not subject to such fluctuations. It is to have a fixed, uniform, permanent construction. It should be, so far at least as human infirmity will allow, not dependent upon the passions or parties of particular times, but the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
Joseph StoryRead
Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.
Joseph StoryRead
The state governments have a full superintendence and control over the immense mass of local interests of their respective states, which connect themselves with the feelings, the affections, the municipal institutions, and the internal arrangements of the whole population. They possess, too, the immediate administration of justice in all cases, civil and criminal, which concern the property, personal rights, and peaceful pursuits of their own citizens.
Joseph StoryRead
I will not say with Lord Hale, that "The Law will admit of no rival" . . . but I will say that it is a jealous mistress, and requires a long and constant courtship. It is not to be won by trifling favors, but by lavish homage.
Joseph StoryRead
A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government.
Joseph StoryRead
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