Government Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“If all men were just, there still would be some, though not so much, need of government.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political essay, 1854
Justice alone cannot eliminate the need for governance; some structure remains essential.
In simple terms: Even if everyone were just, some government is still needed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of institutions.
Themes
justice
government
society
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- public policy
- community organization
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What functions must government retain?
- Can justice replace all authority?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on government can limit personal responsibility.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
