There be three sorts of government--monarchical…
“There be three sorts of government--monarchical, aristocratical, democratical; and they are apt to fall three several ways into ruin--the first, by tyranny; the second, by ambition; the last, by tumults. A commonwealth grounded upon any one of these is not of long continuance; but, wisely mingled, each guards the other and makes that government exact.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Three forms of government each have distinct risks of collapse; balanced mixed government can mitigate these risks
In simple terms: All governments can fail; mixing types can help
Key Takeaway
Avoid single‑type rule; seek balanced governance
Themes
politics
history
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political analysis
When to use this quote
- constitutional design
- civic education
- public debate
- policy reform
Key Concepts
checks and balances
political stability
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance works best today?
- Can mixed systems prevent tyranny?
A Different Perspective
Pure systems may be idealistic and impractical in reality