In a virtuous government, and more especially in times…
“In a virtuous government, and more especially in times like these, public offices are what they should be - burdens to those appointed to them which it would be wrong to decline, though foreseen to bring them intense labor and great private loss.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
In a virtuous government, public office is a duty, burdensome yet necessary, even when it brings personal hardship.
In simple terms: Public service is a burdensome duty.
Key Takeaway
Duty outweighs personal loss in good governance.
Themes
civic duty
government
virtue
burden
Mood
serious
principled
Type
political
When to use this quote
- elected officials
- civil service
- community leadership
Key Concepts
political philosophy
Practical Applications
- Promote transparent accountability
- Offer support for public servants
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce the personal cost of public service?
- What safeguards prevent abuse of public office?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing burden may overlook systemic inefficiencies.