The mania for giving the Government power to meddle with…
““The mania for giving the Government power to meddle with the private affairs of cities or citizens is likely to cause endless trouble, through the rivaly of schools and creeds that are anxious to obtain official recognition, and there is great danger that our people will lose our independence of thought and action which is the cause of much of our greatness, and sink into the helplessness of the Frenchman or German who expects his government to feed him when hungry, clothe him when naked, to prescribe when his child may be born and when he may die, and, in fine, to regulate every act of humanity from the cradle to the tomb, including the manner in which he may seek future admission to paradise.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Warns that granting government control over private life invites endless conflict and erodes personal independence, leading to dependence like that of some European societies.
In simple terms: Government overreach harms freedom and creates dependence.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal autonomy against excessive state control.
Themes
freedom
government
individualism
dependence
societal conflict
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- education reform
- citizen activism
- community organizing
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
liberalism
political philosophy
civil liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- How much government involvement is necessary for public welfare?
- When does protection become paternalism?
A Different Perspective
Overly broad regulation can stifle innovation and personal responsibility.