Ends Quote by Algernon Sidney
“The only ends for which governments are constituted, and obedience rendered to them, are the obtaining of and protection; and they who cannot provide for both give the people a right of taking such ways as best please themselves, in order to their own safety.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Discourses Concerning Government, 1698
Governments exist to provide security and protection; if they fail, people may seek alternative means for safety.
In simple terms: Governments must protect; otherwise people act for self‑defense.
Key Takeaway
Demand accountability, protect rights.
Themes
government
security
rights
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- civil unrest
- personal safety
Key Concepts
social contract
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is rebellion justified?
- What safeguards prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
If people act outside law, chaos may follow.
![“[A]ll popular and well-mixed governments [republics] . . . are ever established by wise and good men, and can never be upheld otherwise than by virtue: The worst men always conspiring against them, they must fall, if the best have not power to preserve them. . . . [and] unless they be preserved in…” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c1/algernon-sidney-20606_conspiring_a-ll-popular-and-well-mixed-governments_696129.jpg)
![“[L]iberty cannot be preserved, if the manners of the people are corrupted . . .” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/65d/algernon-sidney-20606_freedom_l-iberty-cannot-be-preserved-if-the-mann_1577380.jpg)
