Government Quote by Calvin Coolidge
“Our government rests upon religion. It is from that source that we derive our reverence for truth and justice, for equality and liberality and for the rights of mankind. Unless the people believe in these principles they cannot believe in our government. There are only two main theories of government in the world. One rests on righteousness and the other on force. One appeals to reason, the other appeals to the sword. One is exemplified in a republic, the other is represented by a despotism. The government of a country never gets ahead of the religion of a country. There is no way by which we can substitute the authority of law for the virtue of men. Of course we can help to restrain the vicious and furnish a fair degree of security and protection by legislation and police control, but the real reform which society in these days is seeking will come as a result of religious convictions, or they will not come at all. Peace, justice, charity- these cannot be legislated into being. They a”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, 1925
The speaker argues that government legitimacy stems from religious and moral foundations, not merely law, and that true reform requires virtuous belief.
In simple terms: Government should be based on moral values, not just laws.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate ethical principles in society.
Themes
politics
morality
religion
governance
reform
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy
- education
- community leadership
- legislation
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Can secular societies achieve similar virtue?
- How to balance law and morality?
A Different Perspective
Religion may not be universally accepted.
