Conservative Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“When the people find that they can vote themselves money that will herald the end of the republic.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Poor Richard's Almanack, 1755
Voting for personal gain erodes public trust and leads to governmental decline.
In simple terms: Self‑interest in voting harms the republic.
Key Takeaway
Guard public institutions from self‑serving policies.
Themes
politics
ethics
corruption
democracy
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
advice
warning
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- campaign finance
- civic education
- anti‑corruption watchdogs
Key Concepts
public choice theory
tragedy of the commons
institutional decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How can voting systems be designed to align personal and public good?
- What safeguards prevent short‑term gain from undermining long‑term stability?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can also motivate reform, not just decline.
