But what is government itself but the greatest of all…
““But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Government reflects human nature; its necessity depends on human virtue and self‑control.
In simple terms: Governments exist because people are imperfect.
Key Takeaway
Design institutions that restrain both rulers and citizens.
Themes
politics
human nature
government
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- public administration
- civic education
Key Concepts
social contract
self‑regulation
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a government ensure its own accountability?
- What mechanisms best balance power between rulers and the ruled?
A Different Perspective
If people become more virtuous, the need for external control may diminish.