In dealing with the State, we ought to remember that its…
“In dealing with the State, we ought to remember that its institutions are not aboriginal, though they existed before we were born; that they are not superior to the citizen; that every one of them was once the act of a single man; every law and usage was a man's expedient to meet a particular case; that they all are imitable, all alterable; we may make as good; we may make better.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Institutions are human-made, mutable, and can be improved; they are not inherently superior to citizens.
In simple terms: Institutions can be changed.
Key Takeaway
Participate in reforming institutions.
Themes
politics
law
citizen empowerment
Mood
inspirational
determined
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- community organizing
- legal reform
- education
Key Concepts
institutional theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What institutions need reform today?
- How can individuals influence institutional change?
A Different Perspective
Changing institutions requires collective effort and time.