Your pretended fear lest error should step in, is like the man that would keep all the wine out of the country lest men should be drunk. It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy, to deny a man the liberty he hath by nature upon a supposition that he may abuse it.
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
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is limiting freedom justified?
- Should trust precede rules?
Another view
Some restrictions prevent real harm.
More from Oliver Cromwell
I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.
Permalink to quote #19 No one rises so high as he who knows not whither he is going.
Permalink to quote #21 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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