--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The danger (where there is any) from…" description: "\"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 ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db1/joel-barlow-39317_accustomed_the-danger-where-there-is-any-from-armed_2207244.png" --- # The danger (where there is any) from armed citizens, is… ![“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…” quote by Joel Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db1/joel-barlow-39317_accustomed_the-danger-where-there-is-any-from-armed_2207244.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db1/joel-barlow-39317_accustomed_the-danger-where-there-is-any-from-armed_2207244.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db1/joel-barlow-39317_accustomed_the-danger-where-there-is-any-from-armed_2207244.png) > “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.” [Joel Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-barlow/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Advantage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advantage/) [Armed citizens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/armed-citizens/) [Bearing arms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bearing-arms/) [Danger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/danger/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Gun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gun/) [Gun control](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gun-control/) [Gun rights](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gun-rights/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Pro gun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pro-gun/) [Revenge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/revenge/) [Right to bear arms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/right-to-bear-arms/) ## Related quotes > [The Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the press, or the rights of conscience; or to prevent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-adams/the-constitution-be-never-construed-to-authorize-congress-to-infringe/) [Samuel Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-adams/) > [A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/a-well-regulated-militia-being-necessary-to-the-security-of-a-free/) [Robert A. 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