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About this quote

What does it mean?
Fearing people will misuse liberty is as unreasonable as keeping wine away to prevent drunkenness.
In plain terms
You should not deny someone freedom just because they might misuse it.
What can you take from it?
Liberty should not be restricted on fear of misuse.

Where it applies

  • policy debate
  • personal freedoms
  • governance

Putting it to work

  • defend natural rights

Questions to consider

  • When is limiting freedom justified?
  • Should trust precede rules?

Another view

Some restrictions prevent real harm.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.

    Permalink to quote #19
  2. No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.

    Permalink to quote #21
  3. I need pity. I know what I feel. Great place and business in the world is not worth looking after.

    Permalink to quote #18

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