You are not wrong," Laurence said. He had assumed as much…
““You are not wrong," Laurence said. He had assumed as much himself, after all, in his Navy days: had thought the Corps full of wild, devil-may-care libertines, disregarding law and authority as far as they dared, barely kept in check-- to be used for their control over the beasts, and not respected. "But if we have more liberty than we ought," Laurence said, after a moment, struggling through, "it is because they have not enough: the dragons. They have no stake in victory but our happiness; their daily bread and nation would give them just to have peace and quiet. We are given licence so long as we do what we ought not; so long as we use their affections to keep them obedient and quiet, to ends which serve them not at all-- or which harm." "How else do you make them care?" Granby said. "If we left off, the French would only run right over us, and take our eggs themselves." "They care in China," Laurence said, "and in Africa, and they care all the more, that their rational sense is not imposed on, and their hearts put into opposition with their minds. If they cannot be woken to a natural affection for their country, such as we feel, it is our fault, and not theirs.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Liberty is limited when those in power lack the will to protect it, leading to oppression.
In simple terms: Freedom depends on those who enforce it.
Key Takeaway
Guard liberty through responsibility.
Themes
freedom
power
responsibility
control
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- civil rights activism
- community organizing
- leadership training
Key Concepts
political theory
social contract
authority
obedience
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should ensure liberty is upheld?
- What risks arise when power is unchecked?
A Different Perspective
Liberty can be abused if not balanced with accountability.