Of one man in especial, beyond any one else, the citizens…
““Of one man in especial, beyond any one else, the citizens of a republic should beware, and that is of the man who appeals to them to support him on the ground that he is hostile to other citizens of the republic, that he will secure for those who elect him, in one shape or another, profit at the expense of other citizens of the republic… It makes no difference whether he appeals to class hatred or class interest, to religious or antireligious prejudice. The man who makes such an appeal should always be presumed to make it for the sake of furthering his own interest. The very last thing an intelligent and self-respecting member of a democratic community should do is to reward any public man because that public man says that he will get the private citizen something to which this private citizen is not entitled, or will gratify some emotion or animosity which this private citizen ought not to possess… If a public man tries to get your vote by saying that he will do something wrong in your interest, you can be absolutely certain that if ever it becomes worth his while he will do something wrong against your interest.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Citizens must distrust leaders who exploit divisions for personal gain, regardless of the rhetoric used, as such appeals serve self‑interest over public good.
In simple terms: Beware leaders who promise benefits by stoking hatred.
Key Takeaway
Vote based on character, not promises.
Themes
politics
ethics
democratic vigilance
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- community meetings
- activism
Key Concepts
populism
self‑interest
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify hidden self‑serving motives?
- What safeguards protect democratic integrity?
A Different Perspective
Not all appeals are overt; subtle bias can also manipulate.