Adherence Quote by George Mason
“That no free government, nor the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people, but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles; and by the recognition by all citizens that they have duties as well as rights, and that such rights cannot be enjoyed save in a society where law is respected and due process is observed.”
About This Quote
Mason argues that liberty depends on citizens’ commitment to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, virtue, and respect for law and due process.
In simple terms: Freedom requires virtue and lawfulness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate personal virtue and uphold legal norms.
Themes
civic duty
justice
moderation
temperance
frugality
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- community building
- education curricula
Key Concepts
social contract
rule of law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance individual rights with collective responsibilities?
- What practices foster civic virtue today?
A Different Perspective
Virtue alone may not protect rights without institutional safeguards.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
![“I charge [my sons] never to let the motives of private interest or ambition to influence them to betray, nor the terrors of poverty and disgrace, or the fear of danger or of death deter them from asserting the liberty of their country, and endeavoring to transmit to their posterity those sacred…” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/de1/george-mason-8435_ambition_i-charge-my-sons-never-to-let-the-motive_184620.jpg)
