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All legislation, all government, all society is founded…

“All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will…” quote by Henry Clay
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“All legislation, all government, all society is founded upon the principle of mutual concession, politeness, comity, courtesy; upon these everything is based...Let him who elevates himself above humanity, above its weaknesses, its infirmities, its wants, its necessities, say, if he pleases, I will never compromise; but let no one who is not above the frailties of our common nature disdain compromises.”

Henry Clay

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Society depends on mutual compromise; refusing to compromise isolates one from humanity.

In simple terms: Compromise is essential for social harmony.

Key Takeaway

Embrace compromise to foster cooperation.

Themes

politics ethics social cohesion

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • legislative negotiations
  • community disputes
  • team projects

Key Concepts

mutual concession human frailty

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is compromise detrimental?
  • How to balance principle with flexibility?
A Different Perspective

Compromise can be seen as weakness, leading to stalemates.

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