Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
George MasonRead
Every society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.
Interpretation
Governments should be designed to ensure the welfare and safety of the people.
George Mason's quote emphasizes the fundamental purpose of government and society: to serve the collective interests and safety of the community. He argues that any civil organization or government should prioritize the general well-being of its citizens, suggesting that a just society is one that fosters the safety and prosperity of all its members.
In practice
A politician might quote this to emphasize their commitment to public service.
Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community... when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
As much as I value an union of all the states, I would not admit the southern states into the union, unless they agreed to the discontinuance of this disgraceful trade, because it would bring weakness and not strength to the union.
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.
Look past your thoughts, so you may drink the pure nectar of This Moment.
We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.
Ser compreendido Γ© prostituir-se.
When I go to Afghanistan, I realize I've been spared, due to a random genetic lottery, by being born to people who had the means to get out. Every time I go to Afghanistan I am haunted by that.
No form of liberty is worth a darn [sic] which doesn't give us the right to do wrong now and then.
Everything that happens to us is a reflection of who we are.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.