As all those have shown who have discussed civil…
““As all those have shown who have discussed civil institutions, and as every history is full of examples, it is necessary to whoever arranges to found a Republic and establish laws in it, to presuppose that all men are bad and that they will use their malignity of mind every time they have the opportunity; and if such malignity is hidden for a time, it proceeds from the unknown reason that would not be known because the experience of the contrary had not been seen, but time, which is said to be the father of every truth, will cause it to be discovered.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Governments must assume people are inherently bad and will exploit opportunities, trusting time to reveal truth.
In simple terms: Assume bad nature, time reveals truth.
Key Takeaway
Design institutions with checks.
Themes
political theory
human nature
law
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- constitutional reform
- public policy
- judicial oversight
Key Concepts
moral skepticism
institutional design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws balance distrust and trust?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability over time?
A Different Perspective
Overly cynical view may ignore capacity for virtue and reform.