Daily Quote by John Tyler
“A republican government can only be supported by virtue; and the end of all our legislation should be to encourage our fellow citizens in its daily practice.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Presidential address on civic virtue, 1842
A republic thrives only when citizens practice virtue; laws should aim to foster daily virtuous behavior.
In simple terms: Virtue sustains government.
Key Takeaway
Promote virtue in daily life.
Themes
civic duty
virtue
government
Mood
inspirational
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- public office
- community service
- education curricula
- policy making
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we encourage virtue without coercion?
- What role should law play in moral development?
A Different Perspective
Virtue is hard to measure and enforce uniformly.
![“[A] free government . . . cannot be supported without Virtue.” quote by Samuel Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d51/samuel-williams-80203_free-government_a-free-government-cannot-be-supported-wi_1535429.jpg)
![“[John] Adams never had an optimistic view of human nature, and his experience in the Congress and abroad only deepened his suspicion that his fellow Americans might not have the character to sustain a republican government.” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4dc/gordon-s-wood-13199_adams_john-adams-never-had-an-optimistic-view_386009.jpg)
