A superfluity of wealth, and a train of domestic slaves, naturally banish a sense of general liberty, and nourish the seeds of that kind of independence that usually terminates in aristocracy.
Interpretation
Excessive wealth and reliance on servants can lead to a loss of true freedom and foster a hierarchy that promotes aristocracy.
Mercy Otis Warren highlights the paradox of wealth and independence. She argues that an abundance of wealth, along with dependence on domestic servants, can erode genuine liberty and instead cultivate a false sense of independence that ultimately contributes to the emergence of an aristocratic society, which may restrict the freedom of others and lead to social inequality.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion on economic inequality at a community meeting.
It is necessary for every American, with becoming energy to endeavor to stop the dissemination of principles evidently destructive of the cause for which they have bled. It must be the combined virtue of the rulers and of the people to do this, and to rescue and save their civil and religious rights from the outstretched arm of tyranny, which may appear under any mode or form of government.
Public emergencies may require the hand of severity to fall heavily on those who are not personally guilty, but compassion prompts, and ever urges to milder methods
Celebrity distorts democracy by giving the rich, beautiful, and famous more authority than they deserve.
I see only with deep regret that God punishes so many of His children for their numerous stupidities, for which only He Himself can be held responsible; in my opinion, only His nonexistence could excuse Him.
The world is a fabric we weave daily on the great looms of information, discussions, films, books, gossip, little anecdotes.
We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know.
They said that I should lose my ideals and begin to believe in the methods of practical politicians. Now, I have not lost my ideals in the least; my faith in fundamentals is exactly what it always was. What I have lost is my childlike faith in practical politics.
Other people's traditions look charming and decorative and exotic. They're nice places to visit on holiday, but you wouldn't want to live with one.
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