A free, virtuous, and enlightened people must know full well the great principles and causes upon which their happiness depends.
James MonroeRead
How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote underscores the fragility of human institutions and the persistent threat of despotism throughout history.
In this quote, James Monroe reflects on the historical tendency of governments and institutions to decay and lose their integrity, emphasizing the challenges that humanity faces in safeguarding their rights and freedoms. He suggests that despite the best efforts to establish just and well-organized governments, the relentless forces of tyranny continue to jeopardize these foundations, showcasing the struggle of mankind against the inevitability of despotism.
Themes
DespotismGovernmentRightsDecayFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a political speech to highlight the importance of protecting democratic institutions.
More from James Monroe
All quotes →Of the liberty of conscience in matters of religious faith, of speech and of the press; of the trial by jury of the vicinage in civil and criminal cases; of the benefit of the writ of habeas corpus; of the right to keep and bear arms.... If these rights are well defined, and secured against encroachment, it is impossible that government should ever degenerate into tyranny.
James MonroeRead
Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive.
James MonroeRead
[In a republic,] it is not the people themselves who make the decisions, but the people they themselves choose to stand in their places.
James MonroeRead
It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.
James MonroeRead
I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor.
James MonroeRead
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