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About this quote

What does it mean?
Liberty abused by the often leads to arbitrary power being established.
In plain terms
Too much freedom leads to tyranny.
What can you take from it?
Balance freedom with responsibility.

Where it applies

  • political reform
  • governance

Putting it to work

  • enacting laws
  • civic education

Questions to consider

  • Where do you draw the line?
  • Is freedom absolute?

Another view

Excessive regulation can also harm liberty.

More from George Washington

  1. Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude.

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  2. There is a Destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of Human Nature.

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  3. But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I this day declare with …

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