I never think of the measures necessary for the peace and good order of the colonies without pain. There must be an abridgment of what are called English liberties. I relieve myself by considering that in a remove from a state of nature to the most perfect state of government, there must be a great restraint of natural liberty. I doubt whether it is possible to project a system of government in which a colony 3000 miles distant from the parent state shall enjoy all the liberty of the parent state. I am certain I have never yet seen the projection. I wish the good of the colony when I wish to see some further restraint of liberty rather than the connexion with the parent state should be broken; for I am sure such a breach must prove the ruin of the colony.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Governance requires limiting liberty to maintain order and connection.
- In plain terms
- To keep peace and stay connected, colonies must give up some freedoms.
- What can you take from it?
- Political order often requires restricting natural liberty.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much liberty is safe to restrict?
- Does order justify limiting rights?
Another view
This view prioritizes control over individual freedom.
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