Good man Quote by John Stuart Mill
““Who doubts that there may be great goodness, and great happiness, and great affection under the absolute government of a good man? Meanwhile, laws and institutions require to be adapted, not to good men, but to bad.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Liberty, 1859
Goodness, happiness, and affection can exist under a virtuous ruler, but laws must adapt to human flaws, not just good men.
In simple terms: Virtue can coexist with law, but laws must address human imperfection.
Key Takeaway
Design laws that protect against bad actors.
Themes
justice
government
human nature
law
morality
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- public policy
- human rights
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws balance virtue and vice?
- What mechanisms prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective
Perfect governance is unattainable.
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![“[For people] to refuse a hearing to an opinion, because they are sure that it is false, is to assume that their certainty is the same thing as absolute certainty. All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c53/john-stuart-mill-477_doubt_for-people-to-refuse-a-hearing-to-an-opi_63929.jpg)
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![“I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of god. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here [mind] and here [heart] and what you…” quote by William Monahan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e0/william-monahan-3226_every-day_i-put-no-stock-in-religion-by-the-word-r_8215.jpg)
![“I've often thought about that and the only suitable member to join me on that climb [to Everest] was George Lowe: he was strong, a good man on a mountain, with a great sense of humour, and I liked that. I think George and I could've done that together ... I've probably never told George that.” quote by Edmund Hillary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/edmund-hillary-3760_climbs_i-ve-often-thought-about-that-and-the-on_12447.jpg)
