[The spirit of party] serves always to distract the public…
![“[The spirit of party] 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.” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/b35/george-washington-257_administration_the-spirit-of-party-serves-always-to-dis_2331687.jpg)
“[The spirit of party] 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.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Public celebrations can divert attention from governance, fostering division and false anxieties.
In simple terms: Festivals distract officials.
Key Takeaway
Beware of distractions that undermine civic unity.
Themes
politics
distraction
division
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- national holidays
- media coverage
Key Concepts
public opinion
social cohesion
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms keep public focus on governance?
- How can societies balance celebration and responsibility?
A Different Perspective
May overstate Washington’s personal stance on festivals.