Accustomed Quote by Joel Barlow
“The danger (where there is any) from armed citizens, is only to the *government*, not to *society*; and as long as they have nothing to revenge in the government (which they cannot have while it is in their own hands) there are many advantages in their being accustomed to the use of arms, and no possible disadvantage.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Dangerous Age of Man, 1796
Armed citizens pose a threat only to government, not society, and can be advantageous if they control the state.
In simple terms: Armed people are dangerous to government but can be useful if they hold power.
Key Takeaway
Consider the balance of armed citizens and authority.
Themes
government
citizenship
arms
power
society
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- civil unrest
- government overthrow
- self‑defense
- public safety
Key Concepts
Social contract
militia theory
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is an armed populace truly a safeguard or a risk?
- What limits should exist on civilian armament?
A Different Perspective
The view assumes a clear division between government and society that may not exist.
![“[The disarming of citizens] has a double effect, it palsies the hand and brutalizes the mind: a habitual disuse of physical forces totally destroys the moral [force]; and men lose at once the power of protecting themselves, and of discerning the cause of their oppression.” quote by Joel Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4c7/joel-barlow-39317_bearing-arms_the-disarming-of-citizens-has-a-double-e_640598.jpg)
