The passions, therefore, not the reason, of the public…
“The passions, therefore, not the reason, of the public would sit in judgment. But it is the reason, alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government. The passions ought to be controlled and regulated by the government.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason should guide public governance, while passions are to be restrained by law.
In simple terms: Reason controls government, passions are regulated.
Key Takeaway
Let reason dominate policy decisions.
Themes
politics
governance
reason
passion
law
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy debates
- civic education
Key Concepts
social contract
checks and balances
public will
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies balance reason with public sentiment?
- What mechanisms ensure passions don't dominate governance?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone may ignore emotional needs of citizens.