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Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by…

“Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that consolidating power leads to corruption and eventual national ruin.

In simple terms: Power concentration breeds corruption and downfall.

Key Takeaway

Guard against power centralization.

Themes

politics corruption power history

Mood

cautionary serious

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • public discourse
  • civic education

Key Concepts

authoritarianism decline national risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies prevent power abuse?
  • What checks balance power in modern democracies?
A Different Perspective

Complex causes may be oversimplified.

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