Let me now warn you in the most solemn manner against the…
“Let me now warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party. The common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another. In governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Warns that partisan spirit harms governance by causing division, distraction, and weak administration.
In simple terms: Party spirit harms government.
Key Takeaway
Avoid partisan bias in public decisions.
Themes
politics
governance
division
distraction
public administration
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legislative meetings
- campaigns
- policy debates
- community organizing
Key Concepts
partisanship
social cohesion
political stability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance healthy debate with unity?
- What mechanisms reduce partisan distraction?
A Different Perspective
Partisan spirit can also mobilize civic engagement when managed responsibly.