Let us give to our republic a fourth power with authority over the youth, the hearts of men, public spirit, habits, and republican morality. Let us establish this Areopagus to watch over the education of the children, to supervise national education, to purify whatever may be corrupt in the republic, to denounce ingratitude, coldness in the country's service, egotism, sloth, idleness, and to pass judgment upon the first signs of corruption and pernicious example.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bolivar proposes a moral authority to oversee youth education and national character.
- In plain terms
- He suggests creating a body to teach morals and punish bad behavior in society.
- What can you take from it?
- Morals need institutional support to survive.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a state enforce virtue without tyranny?
Another view
Such oversight risks becoming oppressive.
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