Advice Quote by Will Durant
“An emperor knows how to govern when poets are free to make verses, people to act plays, historians to tell the truth, ministers to give advice, the poor to grumble at taxes, students to learn lessons aloud, workmen to praise their skill and seek work, people to speak of anything, and old men to find fault with everything.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization (volume on government)
A thriving empire lets all citizens express freely—artists, scholars, workers—creating a vibrant, self‑critical society.
In simple terms: Freedom for all fuels a strong state.
Promote freedom for every voice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education reform
- public debate
- supporting arts
- tax fairness
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits ensure freedom benefits society?
- How do you balance order and liberty?
Too much freedom can cause disorder without wise leadership.