above this race of men stands an immense and tutelary…
“above this race of men stands an immense and tutelary power, which takes upon itself alone to secure their gratifications, and to watch over their fate. That power is absolute, minute, regular, provident, and mild. It would be like the authority of a parent, if, like that authority, its object was to prepare them for manhood; but it seeks, on the contrary, to keep them in perpetual childhood...”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society’s protective institutions can infantilize citizens, keeping them dependent rather than fostering true adulthood.
In simple terms: Overprotective systems hinder maturity.
Key Takeaway
Encourage autonomy over reliance.
Themes
political philosophy
citizen development
authority
dependency
education
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political analysis
When to use this quote
- civic education reform
- community empowerment programs
- policy design
- parental role modeling
- youth mentorship
Key Concepts
social contract
liberalism
individualism
state paternalism
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms should be limited for growth?
- How can institutions promote responsible adulthood?
A Different Perspective
Too much freedom can lead to chaos without guidance.