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 men for manhood; but it seeks, on the contrary, to keep them in perpetual childhood: it is well content that the people should rejoice, provided they think of nothing but rejoicing. For their happiness such a government willingly labors, but it chooses to be the sole agent and the only arbiter of that happiness; it provides for their security, foresees and supplies their necessities, facilitates their pleasures, manages their principal concerns, directs their industry, regulates the descent of property, and subdivides their inheritances: what remains, but to spare them all the care of thinking and all the trouble of living?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote warns that an overbearing government can infantilize citizens by providing all comforts, removing responsibility and critical thought.
In simple terms: A government that does everything for you keeps people immature.
Key Takeaway
Encourage personal responsibility and critical thinking.
Themes
government
control
individuality
responsibility
freedom
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- citizenship education
- political activism
- community involvement
- self-reliance
Key Concepts
paternalism
authoritarianism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reliance on authority affect personal growth?
- What balance should exist between security and autonomy?
A Different Perspective
It may underestimate the need for collective safety nets.