Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
George MasonRead
As nations can not be rewarded or punished in the next world they must be in this.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nations face consequences in this life rather than in an afterlife.
George Mason's quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the actions of nations are judged in the present world, rather than relying on an afterlife for rewards or punishments. It suggests that accountability and justice must be pursued in real time, as there are no guarantees of recompense beyond this life.
Themes
NationsJusticeAccountabilityActionsConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on international relations, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of holding nations accountable now rather than later.
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
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.
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
Similar quotes
I have learned to prize holy ignorance more highly than religious certainty and to seek companions who have arrived at the same place. We are a motley crew, distinguished not only by our inability to explain ourselves to those who are more certain of their beliefs than we are but in many cases by our distance from the centers of our faith communities as well.
Barbara Brown TaylorRead
Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letter, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on earth that can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship.
Frederick DouglassRead
If you listen to the political discourse in America today, you would think that all our problems have been caused by the Mexicans of the Chinese or the Muslims. The reality is that we have caused our own problems. Whatever has happened has been caused by isolating ourselves or blaming others.
Fareed ZakariaRead
It's all very well for us to sit here in the west with our high incomes and cushy lives, and say it's immoral to violate the sovereignty of another state. But if the effect of that is to bring people in that country economic and political freedom, to raise their standard of living, to increase their life expectancy, then don't rule it out.
Niall FergusonRead
One country ... one ideology, one system is not sufficient. It is helpful to have a variety of different approaches ... We can then make a joint effort to solve the problems of the whole of humankind.
Dalai LamaRead
Whether wine is a nourishment, medicine or poison is a matter of dosage
ParacelsusRead