Capable Quote by John C. Calhoun
“We make a great mistake in supposing all people are capable of self-government.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1835 Address to the South Carolina Legislature, null
Warns that assuming universal capacity for self-rule is a grave error.
In simple terms: Not everyone can govern themselves.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of democratic assumptions.
Themes
politics
human nature
governance
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- citizen participation
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Are there societies that thrive without self-government?
- How do we balance liberty with guidance?
A Different Perspective
Overgeneralization can ignore cultural differences.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
