You will permit me to say, that a greater drama is now…
“You will permit me to say, that a greater drama is now acting on this theatre than has heretofore been brought on the American tage, or any other in the world. We exhibit at present the novel and astonishing spectacle of a whole people deliberating calmly on what form of government will be most conducive to their happiness; and deciding with an unexpected degree of unanimity in favour of a system which they conceive calculated to answer the purpose.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Washington describes the unprecedented, peaceful deliberation of a nation choosing its own government for collective happiness.
In simple terms: A nation peacefully deciding its government is unprecedented.
Key Takeaway
Value democratic deliberation.
Themes
democracy
political theory
collective happiness
government formation
Mood
reflective
optimistic
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- constitutional conventions
- citizen assemblies
- national referendums
Key Concepts
social contract
public will
consensus decision-making
Questions to Reflect On
- How does consensus affect minority rights?
- What safeguards ensure true deliberation?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic view may overlook conflicts and dissent.