We ought not to extract pernicious honey from poison blossoms of misrepresentation and mendacious half-truth, to pamper the course appetite of bigotry and self-love.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
The necessity for external government to man is in an inverse ratio to the vigor of his self-government. Where the last is most complete, the first is least wanted. Hence, the more virtue the more liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A strong sense of self-governance reduces the need for external control.
This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge suggests that the more individuals are able to govern themselves with virtue and integrity, the less they require external governance. It implies that self-discipline and moral strength are critical for personal freedom, and when these qualities are robust, there is less necessity for external authorities to impose rules or restrictions on individuals.
Themes
Self-GovernmentVirtueLibertyFreedomAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on personal responsibility, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of self-discipline.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes →Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
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And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread, For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.
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Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
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Mr. Lyell's system of geology is just half the truth, and no more. He affirms a great deal that is true, and he denies a great deal which is equally true; which is the general characteristic of all systems not embracing the whole truth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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