Autocratic Quote by Calvin Coolidge
“Despotism has forever had a powerful hold upon the world. Autocratic government, not self-government, has been the prevailing state of mankind. The record of past history is the record, not of the success of republics, but of their failure.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Address, 1925
Autocratic rule dominates history, while self‑government struggles, making republics rare successes.
In simple terms: Autocracy has ruled longer than democracy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fragility of self‑government.
Themes
politics
history
governance
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
authorialism
civic responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can protect democracy?
- How can citizens strengthen self‑government?
A Different Perspective
Republics have also succeeded; context matters.
![“They [the Founding Fathers] were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance with the principle of self-government. They were an inspired body of men. It has been said that God sifted the nations that He might send choice grain into the wilderness ... Who can fail to see it in…” quote by Calvin Coolidge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/141/calvin-coolidge-764_body_they-the-founding-fathers-were-intent-up_337118.jpg)
