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The two greatest things that all men aim at in any free government are liberty and permanency. We have had liberty enough - too much perhaps in some respects - but at all events, liberty to our hearts content.
Thomas D
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of liberty and stability in a free society.

In this quote, Thomas D highlights that individuals in a free government strive for two main objectives: liberty and stability. He suggests that while we may have enjoyed ample freedom, perhaps to an excessive degree, the essence of a successful government lies in balancing that freedom with a sense of permanence and security for its citizens.

Themes

LibertyGovernmentFreedomStabilityPermanency

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about civil liberties, one might quote this to emphasize the need for balance in governance.

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