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That men ought to be governed, seems to have been agreed on all hands: the reason is, that, without government, they could never attain any high or permanent share of perfection or happiness. But the question has been ? by whom should they be governed? And this has been made a question, by reason of two others ? by whom can they be governed? ? are they capable of governing themselves?

James Wilson#6

PoliticsHuman naturePhilosophySociety

About this quote

What does it mean?
Governance is necessary for progress, but the question remains who should lead.
In plain terms
We need leaders, but we must decide if they rule us or if we rule ourselves.
What can you take from it?
Consider if self governance is possible for your society.

Where it applies

  • political theory
  • historical debate

Putting it to work

  • debate topics
  • policy planning

Questions to consider

  • Who governs the governors?
  • Are we capable of self rule?

Another view

It assumes all humans can be governed or can govern themselves equally.

More from James Wilson

  1. Every juror swears that he will give a true verdict according to his evidence. The sacred obligation of this oath demands, that to unanimity truth shall not be…

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  2. With regard, says Rousseau, to the prerogative of granting pardon to criminals, condemned by the laws of their country, and sentenced by the judges, it belongs…

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  3. By a State I mean, a complete body of free persons united together for their common benefit, to enjoy peaceably what is their own, and to do justice to others.

    Permalink to quote #4

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