All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment…
““All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter. We balance inconveniences; we give and take; we remit some rights, that we may enjoy others; and we choose rather to be happy citizens than subtle disputants.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human societies rely on mutual exchange and compromise; we give up some rights to gain others, choosing cooperation over conflict.
In simple terms: Society works through give‑and‑take, not endless argument.
Key Takeaway
Embrace compromise for collective benefit.
Themes
cooperation
politics
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social contract
trade
rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What rights are you willing to trade?
- When does compromise become surrender?
A Different Perspective
Compromise can suppress minority voices if not balanced.