Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the form of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.
Interpretation
This quote questions the trustworthiness of humans in positions of power, both over themselves and others.
Thomas Jefferson raises a critical inquiry about human governance and authority in this quote. He challenges the notion of whether individuals can govern themselves, and if so, whether any are fit to govern others. By inviting history to provide answers, Jefferson emphasizes the wisdom gained from past experiences, suggesting that perhaps no human, no matter how noble or kingly, is inherently trustworthy in leadership roles.
In practice
During a political debate, one might use this quote to advocate for checks and balances in government.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
We can no longer take our own way of life for granted - we know that it may be challenged. And we know this, too - and know it ever more deeply - we know that freedom and democracy are not just big words mouthed by orators but the rain and the wind and the sun, the air and the light by which we breathe and live.
Even after the Truth has been realised, there remains that strong, obstinate impression that one is still an ego - the agent and experiencer. This has to be carefully removed by living in a state of constant identification with the supreme non-dual Self. Full Awakening is the eventual ceasing of all the mental impressions of being an ego.
The vilest deeds like poison weeds Bloom well in prison air; It is only what is good in man That wastes and withers there.
If my desire is possible, it means the system is already letting something else through.
He who is insolent towards men is insolent towards God... Respect in man the grand, inestimable image of God and be forbearing towards the faults and errors of fallen man, so that God may be forbearing towards your own.
Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones, but by contrary extreme positions.
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