QuoteProject
There is only one cure for the evils which newly acquired freedom produces, and that cure is freedom.
Thomas Babington Macaulay
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True freedom entails responsibility and cannot be achieved without embracing its challenges.

In this quote, Thomas Babington Macaulay suggests that the challenges and problems that arise from attaining new freedom cannot be solved by restricting that freedom. Instead, true freedom itself is the solution to the potential evils associated with it, highlighting the importance of embracing freedom in all its complexities and taking responsibility for its consequences.

Themes

FreedomResponsibilityChallengesPhilosophyEvils

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about civil rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of embracing freedom despite its challenges.

More from Thomas Babington Macaulay

To punish a man because we infer from the nature of some doctrine which he holds, or from the conduct of other persons who hold the same doctrines with him, that he will commit a crime, is persecution, and is, in every case, foolish and wicked.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
People crushed by law have no hopes but from power. If laws are their enemies, they will be enemies to laws.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
Such night in England ne'er had been, nor ne'er again shall be.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead
That is the best government which desires to make the people happy, and knows how to make them happy.
Thomas Babington MacaulayRead

Similar quotes

Truly, that reason upon which we plume ourselves, though it may answer for little things, yet for great decisions is hardly surer than a toss up.
Charles Sanders PeirceRead
Memory isn't a theme; it's part of the human condition.
Hilary MantelRead
How I wished during those sleepless hours that I belonged to a different nation, or better still, to none at all.
W. G. SebaldRead
I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.
Abraham LincolnRead
How quickly do we grow accustomed to wonders. I am reminded of the Isaac Asimov story Nightfall, about the planet where the stars were visible only once in a thousand years. So awesome was the sight that it drove men mad. We who can see the stars every night glance up casually at the cosmos and then quickly down again, searching for a Dairy Queen.
Roger EbertRead
Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
William BlakeRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Thomas Babington Macaulay | QuoteProject