A very few, as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the…
“A very few, as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men, serve the state with their conscience also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part, and they are commonly treated as enemies by it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individuals who act according to conscience often oppose the state and are labeled enemies.
In simple terms: Conscientious people are seen as threats.
Stand by conscience despite opposition.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- whistleblowing
- journalism
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal conscience with civic duties?
- When is civil disobedience justified?
State power can suppress dissent and label truth‑tellers as enemies.