Every 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
Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
Interpretation
Slavery suppresses creativity and productivity, leading to tyranny among slave owners.
In this quote, George Mason emphasizes the detrimental effects of slavery on both cultural expressions and economic activities. He argues that the institution of slavery not only stifles artistic and industrial progress but also transforms those who enforce it into oppressive figures devoid of true authority or respect, as they rely on control over others rather than on merit or moral leadership.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the historical impact of slavery on culture.
Every 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.
There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
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.
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.
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.
In a country where misery and want were the foundation of the social structure, famine was periodic, death from starvation common, disease pervasive, thievery normal, and graft and corruption taken for granted, the elimination of these conditions in Communist China is so striking that negative aspects of the new rule fade in relative importance.
It (Tao) is eternally without desire. So, it can be called small. All things return to it, although it does not make itself their ruler. So, it can be called great.
No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ.
It is the want to know the end that makes us believe in God, or witchcraft, believe, at least, in something
But I’ve been turning over in my mind the question of nostalgia, and whether I suffer from it. I certainly don’t get soggy at the memory of some childhood knickknack; nor do I want to deceive myself sentimentally about something that wasn’t even true at the time—love of the old school, and so on. But if nostalgia means the powerful recollection of strong emotions—and a regret that such feelings are no longer present in our lives—then I plead guilty.
It is in dialogue with pain that many beautiful things acquire their value. Acquaintance with grief turns out to be one of the more unusual prerequisites of architectural appreciation. We might, quite aside from all other requirements, need to be a little sad before buildings can properly touch us.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.