Employed Quote by Samuel Johnson
“To prevent evil is the great end of government, the end for which vigilance and severity are properly employed.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Patriot, 1775
Government’s primary duty is to stop wrongdoing, requiring vigilant and strict enforcement.
In simple terms: Government must stop evil with vigilance.
Key Takeaway
Balance vigilance with fairness.
Themes
government
evil
vigilance
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- law enforcement
- policy making
- public safety
Key Concepts
political philosophy
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can vigilance avoid tyranny?
- What safeguards protect liberty?
A Different Perspective
Over‑severity may suppress freedoms.
![“The instrument by which it [government] must act are either the AUTHORITY of the laws or FORCE. If the first be destroyed, the last must be substituted; and where this becomes the ordinary instrument of government there is an end to liberty!” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/063/alexander-hamilton-619_authority_the-instrument-by-which-it-government-mu_1468098.jpg)
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