It is too early for politicians to presume on our…
“It is too early for politicians to presume on our forgetting that the public good, the real welfare of the great body of the people, is the supreme object to be pursued; and that no form of government whatever has any other value than as it may be fitted for the attainment of this object.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote stresses that government exists solely to serve the public welfare, and its legitimacy depends on how well it achieves that goal.
In simple terms: Government must serve the public good.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize policies that benefit the many.
Themes
public welfare
government purpose
democracy
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy evaluation
- citizen advocacy
- public budgeting
Key Concepts
social contract
public interest
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we define the public good in diverse societies?
- What mechanisms ensure government stays aligned with that goal?
A Different Perspective
Assumes consensus on what constitutes the “public good,” which can be contested.