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Enjoyed Quote by Jonathan Swift

“I enjoyed perfect health of body, and tranquillity of mind; I did not feel the treachery or inconstancy of a friend, nor the injuries of a secret or open enemy. I had no occasion of bribing, flattering, or pimping, to procure the favour of any great man, or of his minion; I wanted no fence against…” quote by Jonathan Swift
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““I enjoyed perfect health of body, and tranquillity of mind; I did not feel the treachery or inconstancy of a friend, nor the injuries of a secret or open enemy.  I had no occasion of bribing, flattering, or pimping, to procure the favour of any great man, or of his minion; I wanted no fence against fraud or oppression: here was neither physician to destroy my body, nor lawyer to ruin my fortune; no informer to watch my words and actions, or forge accusations against me for hire: here were no gibers, censurers, backbiters, pickpockets, highwaymen, housebreakers, attorneys, bawds, buffoons, gamesters, politicians, wits, splenetics, tedious talkers, controvertists, ravishers, murderers, robbers, virtuosos; no leaders, or followers, of party and faction; no encouragers to vice, by seducement or examples; no dungeon, axes, gibbets, whipping-posts, or pillories; no cheating shopkeepers or mechanics; no pride, vanity, or affectation; no fops, bullies, drunkards, strolling whores, or poxes; no ranting, lewd, expensive wives; no stupid, proud pedants; no importunate, overbearing, quarrelsome, noisy, roaring, empty, conceited, swearing companions; no scoundrels raised from the dust upon the merit of their vices, or nobility thrown into it on account of their virtues; no lords, fiddlers, judges, or dancing-masters.””

Jonathan Swift

About This Quote

Source Satire: A Tale of a Tub, 1704

A depiction of a society free from corruption, where no one manipulates or harms others, highlighting the absurdity of such utopia.

In simple terms: A world without any form of exploitation or oppression.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the dangers of unchecked power and strive for ethical governance.

Themes

corruption utopia satire morality societal critique

Mood

cautious reflective critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political reform
  • ethical leadership
  • community building
  • social justice
  • law enforcement

Key Concepts

social contract human nature power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mechanisms prevent hidden corruption?
  • How can societies balance freedom with accountability?
A Different Perspective

Ideal societies still require vigilance against hidden abuses.

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