Apart from the peculiar tenets of individual thinkers…
““Apart from the peculiar tenets of individual thinkers, there is also in the world at large an increasing inclination to stretch unduly the powers of society over the individual both by the force of opinion and even by that of legislation; and as the tendency of all the changes taking place in the world is to strengthen society and diminish the power of the individual, this encroachment is not one of the evils which tend spontaneously to disappear, but, on the contrary, to grow more and more formidable. The disposition of mankind, whether as rulers or as fellow citizens, to impose their own opinions and inclinations as a rule of conduct on others is so energetically supported by some of the best and by some of the worst feelings incident to human nature that it is hardly ever kept under restraint by anything but want of power; and as the power is not declining, but growing, unless a strong barrier of moral conviction can be raised against the mischief, we must expect, in the present circumstances of the world, to see it increase.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society increasingly imposes its will on individuals through opinion and law, threatening personal freedom unless moral conviction resists.
In simple terms: Society pushes over individuals, needing moral resistance.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal freedom with strong moral principles.
Themes
freedom
society
individual rights
power dynamics
Mood
concerned
defensive
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- legal reform
- education on civic rights
- community organizing
Key Concepts
liberalism
social contract
authority
conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can individuals cultivate moral conviction?
- What institutions can protect personal liberty?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may be limited without institutional support.