Dependence Quote by James Mill
“No good government can ever want more than two things for its support: 1st, Its own excellence; and, 2dly, a people sufficiently instructed, to be aware of that excellence. Every other pretended support, must ultimately tend to its subversion, by lessening its dependence upon these.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Considerations on Representative Government, 1830
A government must excel and educate its citizens; otherwise, reliance on other support erodes its stability.
In simple terms: Governments need excellence and educated people.
Key Takeaway
Focus on competence and public education.
Themes
governance
education
stability
excellence
dependence
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- school curricula
- public campaigns
- leadership training
Key Concepts
political theory
public policy
civic education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a state balance excellence and public instruction?
- What risks arise if education is ignored?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting other support can still weaken a government.
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