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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The health of a republic depends on the moral and intellectual character of its citizens.
Joseph Story's quote emphasizes the importance of virtue, public spirit, and intelligence in the formation and sustenance of a republic. When honest and wise individuals are excluded from governance while those who manipulate and betray the populace are rewarded, the foundational principles of democracy are undermined, leading to its decline.
Themes
RepublicVirtueGovernmentCitizenshipHonestyWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate, one could use this quote to argue for the importance of integrity in leadership.
More from Joseph Story
All quotes βTemporary 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
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
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.
Joseph StoryRead
A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government.
Joseph StoryRead
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