I heartily accept the motto, 'That government is best which governs least'; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe - 'That government is best which governs not at all'; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau advocates for minimal government, eventually none, and urges rapid implementation of that principle.
- In plain terms
- He wants government to shrink until it disappears.
- What can you take from it?
- Work toward reducing government authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How can society function without a central authority?
- What risks arise from too little government?
Another view
A completely stateless society may lack mechanisms for collective action.
More from Henry David Thoreau
The soldier is applauded who refuses to serve in an unjust war by those who do not refuse to sustain the unjust government which makes the war; is applauded by…
Permalink to quote #50 To speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better governmen…
Permalink to quote #52 Any fool can make a rule And any fool will mind it.
Permalink to quote #49
Related quotes
This distinction between invasion and resistance, between government and defence, is vital. Without it there can be no valid philosophy of politics. Upon this …
Benjamin TuckerBenjamin Tucker quote #16 I would say that my position is not too far from that of Ayn Rand's; that I would like to see government reduced to no more than internal police and courts, ex…
Robert A. HeinleinRobert A. Heinlein quote #18 Republicans campaign like Libertarians and govern like Democrats.
Harry BrowneHarry Browne quote #20