Appeals Quote by James Martineau
“If it is permitted to the enlightened but baffled Statesman, when deserted and fallen from his place, to appeal from the voices of the moment to the judgment of more impartial times, with what right can we call in question the loftier form of the same prophetic trust which looks to a present God rather than to future men?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, 19th century philosophical discourse
A statesman may be judged by future, more impartial standards rather than contemporary opinion, questioning the legitimacy of present authority.
In simple terms: Future judgment versus present opinion.
Key Takeaway
Consider timeless standards over fleeting opinions.
Themes
politics
ethics
authority
justice
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government decisions
- public policy debates
- legal judgments
Key Concepts
philosophy
historical perspective
prophetic trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance present needs with future judgments?
- When should current authority be trusted?
A Different Perspective
Future standards may be inaccessible or irrelevant to immediate crises.
