The greater the share the people have in government, the less liberty, civil or religious, does a nation enjoy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wesley argues that greater popular participation in government reduces individual freedoms, both civil and religious.
- In plain terms
- More people in government means less liberty.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of excessive democracy limiting freedom.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does popular rule become oppressive?
- How can liberty be balanced with democratic involvement?
Another view
Some argue broad participation actually protects freedoms.
More from John Wesley
As to matters of dress, I would recommend one never to be first in the fashion nor the last out of it.
Permalink to quote #21 Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.
Permalink to quote #23 I am always in haste, but never in a hurry.
Permalink to quote #20
Related quotes
You can choose whatever name you like for the two types of government. I personally call the type of government which can be removed without ?violence 'democra…
Karl PopperKarl Popper quote #1 While democracy must have its organizations and controls, its vital breath is individual liberty.
Charles Evans HughesCharles Evans Hughes quote #2 The liberty of the press is the palladium of all the civil, political, and religious rights of an Englishman.
JuniusJunius quote #2