Freedom Quote by Henry Fielding
““If we had any leisure we would here digress a little on that ingratitude which so many writers have observed to spring up in the people in all free governments towards their great men; who, while they have been consulting the good of the public, by raising their own greatness, in which the whole body (as the kingdom of France thinks itself in the glory of their grand monarch) was so deeply concerned, have been sometimes sacrificed by those very people for whose glory the said great men were so industriously at work: and this from a foolish zeal for a certain ridiculous imaginary thing called liberty, to which great men are observed to have a great animosity.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, 1749
The passage critiques how citizens in free societies often resent leaders who act for the public good, mistakenly viewing their self‑elevation as a betrayal of liberty.
In simple terms: People resent leaders who seem to seek personal glory.
Key Takeaway
Recognize genuine public service despite popular suspicion.
Themes
politics
liberty
public service
resentment
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- government reform
- public speeches
- citizen education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
civic virtue
misconception
political psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society balance liberty with respect for capable leaders?
- What role does media play in shaping perceptions of public figures?
A Different Perspective
Public distrust can stem from misinformation and fear of elite power.
