Human race Quote by David McCullough
““It has been the will of Heaven," the essay began, "that we should be thrown into existence at a period when the greatest philosophers and lawgivers of antiquity would have wished to live... a period when a coincidence of circumstances without example has afforded to thirteen colonies at once an opportunity of beginning government anew from the foundation and building as they choose. How few of the human race have ever had the opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves and their children? How few have ever had anything more of choice in government than in climate?””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The American Revolution,” David McCullough, 2001
The passage reflects on the rare chance for a new nation to choose its own government, emphasizing the value of such freedom.
In simple terms: Rare chance to choose a government is highlighted.
Key Takeaway
Value and protect democratic choices.
Themes
freedom
choice
government
history
opportunity
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
historical
civic
When to use this quote
- citizenship education
- constitutional debates
- public policy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
political theory
historical context
civic responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we safeguard democratic choice today?
- What responsibilities come with this freedom?
A Different Perspective
Not all societies have such choices; challenges persist.
![“Experts on both sides, both parties say that, [Donald Trump] is going to turn over the operation to his three children, Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka. That's not a blind trust. According to experts we talked to, they're involved now in choosing the next government.” quote by Brian Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb7/brian-ross-63168_blind_experts-on-both-sides-both-parties-say-t_2262109.jpg)
![“It's really a situation [ Donald Trump's children are involved now in choosing the next government] that no other president had in years and years. He clearly is not going to follow the idea that - generally there is no rule that requires this but there generally is a situation which people are…” quote by Brian Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b26/brian-ross-63168_children_it-s-really-a-situation-donald-trump-s-c_1560361.jpg)
![“A much more radical conclusion . . . that, so far as I know, is shared by only a very few students of public choice [is]: that government employees or people who draw the bulk of their income from government by other means should be deprived of the vote . . . It is another example of the opening…” quote by Gordon Tullock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfd/gordon-tullock-64030_alternatives_a-much-more-radical-conclusion-that-so-f_1260888.jpg)
![“both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e6/the-church-fathers-1438_grace_both-the-mosaic-law-and-the-grace-of-the_10309.jpg)
