Democracy Quote by Andrew Hamilton
““It is an old and wise caution, that when our neighbor's house is on fire, we ought to take care of our own. For tho', blessed be God, I live in a government where liberty is well understood, and freely enjoy'd; yet experience has shown us all that bad precedent in one government is soon set up for an authority in another; and therefore I cannot but think it mine, and every honest man's duty that we ought at the same time to be upon our guard against power, wherever we apprehend that it may affect ourselves or our fellow subjects. I should think it my duty, if required, to go to the utmost part of the land, where my service could be of any use in assisting to quench the flame of prosecutions upon informations, set on foot by the government, to deprive a people of their right to remonstrating (and complaining too) of the arbitrary attempts of men in power.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, early American political discourse, late 18th century
Warns that vigilance against governmental overreach is essential, as one state's abuse can inspire another's oppression.
In simple terms: Watch for government abuse; protect liberty.
Key Takeaway
Stay alert, defend rights.
Themes
freedom
government
vigilance
rights
responsibility
Mood
cautious
determined
serious
Type
political
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- voting
- activism
- community organizing
- legal challenges
- public discourse
Key Concepts
political theory
civil liberty
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize early signs of power abuse?
- What personal steps can you take to safeguard liberty?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual agency in favor of collective action.
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