Who so taketh in hand to frame any state or government…
“Who so taketh in hand to frame any state or government ought to presuppose that all men are evil, and at occasions will show themselves so to be.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Argues that any ruler must assume humanity’s inherent evilness, which can surface when needed.
In simple terms: Governments must expect human wickedness.
Key Takeaway
Plan for moral failings in governance.
Themes
politics
human nature
leadership
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- statecraft
Key Concepts
ethics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders mitigate inherent evil?
- What safeguards protect societies?
A Different Perspective
Over‑generalizing evil may ignore altruism.