Puritanism, believing itself quick with the seed of religious liberty, laid, without knowing it, the egg of democracy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote notes the irony that Puritanism, which sought religious freedom, unintentionally laid the groundwork for democracy.
- In plain terms
- Puritanism wanted religious freedom but accidentally created democracy instead.
- What can you take from it?
- Ideas can have unintended consequences that shape society differently.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you think of other ideas with unintended consequences?
- How does religion influence politics?
Another view
Historical causality is complex and rarely linear.
More from James Russell Lowell
There is no better ballast for keeping the mind steady on its keel, and saving it from all risk of crankiness, than business.
Permalink to quote #79 It was in making education not only common to all, but in some sense compulsory on all, that the destiny of the free republics of America was practically settl…
Permalink to quote #81 They come transfigured back, Secure from change in their high-hearted ways, Beautiful evermore, and with the rays Of morn on their white Shields of Expectation!
Permalink to quote #78
Related quotes
Had Luther and Calvin been confined before they had begun to dogmatize, the states would have been spared many troubles.
Cardinal RichelieuCardinal Richelieu quote #5 The evils which sapped the nation's strength had all been wrought in the name of religion.
Mustafa Kemal AtaturkMustafa Kemal Ataturk quote #35 Muhammad brought down from heaven and put into the Koran not religious doctrines only, but political maxims, criminal and civil laws, and scientific theories. …
Alexis de TocquevilleAlexis de Tocqueville quote #66