The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Political authority
Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.
Benjamin Franklin Letter to the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux · 1787

Quotes

“There will never be a really free and enlightened State, until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

“I heartily accept the motto,—‘That government is best which governs least;’ and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

Related Tags

Freedom 15 Civic virtue 2 Corruption 2 Self-government 4 Individual sovereignty 1 Liberty 8 Consent 1 Limited government 3 Individual liberty 3 State power 1