So long as selfishness makes government needful at all, it…
“So long as selfishness makes government needful at all, it must make every government corrupt, save one in which all men are represented.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Selfishness corrupts governments; only a fully representative system could avoid this.
In simple terms: Selfishness leads to corruption; true representation may prevent it.
Seek inclusive governance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy design
- civic engagement
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can any system be truly selfless?
- What safeguards reduce corruption?
Perfect representation is unrealistic.