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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author warns that patronage systems threaten individual liberty.
In plain terms
Using jobs as favors harms freedom.
What can you take from it?
Avoid politicizing jobs.

Where it applies

  • government hiring
  • political campaigns
  • bureaucracy

Putting it to work

  • policy making
  • reform
  • integrity

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance loyalty and merit?
  • Why is liberty important?

Another view

Patronage can sometimes ensure loyalty.

More from John Tyler

  1. In 1840 I was called from my farm to undertake the administration of public affairs and I foresaw that I was called to a bed of thorns.

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  2. Popularity, I have always thought, may aptly be compared to a coquette - the more you woo her, the more apt is she to elude your embrace.

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  3. If the tide of defamation and abuse shall turn, and my administration come to be praised, future Vice-Presidents who may succeed to the Presidency may feel som…

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