Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it. But, if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn. - Frame of Government
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quality of government depends on the character of the people, not just the laws.
- In plain terms
- Good people make good government, but bad people ruin even good laws.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on personal goodness to ensure good governance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a good citizen?
- How do people shape laws?
Another view
Structural reforms often matter more than individual character.
More from William Penn
Less judgment than wit is more sail than ballast.
Permalink to quote #36 Liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedience without liberty is slavery.
Permalink to quote #38 Knowledge is the treasure, but judgment the treasurer of a wise man.
Permalink to quote #35
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