Some things the legislator must find ready to his hand in…
“Some things the legislator must find ready to his hand in a state, others he must provide. And therefore we can only say: May our state be constituted in such a manner as to be blessed with the goods of which fortune disposes (for we acknowledge her power): whereas virtue and goodness in the state are not a matter of chance but the result of knowledge and purpose. A city can be virtuous only when the citizens who have a share in the government are virtuous, and in our state all the citizens share in the government.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A well‑run state depends on virtuous citizens and purposeful governance, not on luck.
In simple terms: Good government needs virtuous people.
Key Takeaway
Promote civic virtue and purposeful policies.
Themes
politics
virtue
governance
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education reform
- public policy
- community service
- leadership training
Key Concepts
ethics
civic responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster virtue among citizens?
- What policies best align with purposeful governance?
A Different Perspective
Implementation is hindered by entrenched interests and apathy.