The right of conscience and private judgment is unalienable, and it is truly the interest of all mankind to unite themselves into one body for the liberty, free exercise, and unmolested enjoyment of this right.
Ezra StilesRead
All the forms of civil polity have been tried by mankind, except one, and that seems to have been reserved in Providence to be realized in America.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that America embodies a unique political system yet to be fully explored by humanity.
Ezra Stiles highlights the idea that throughout history, societies have experimented with various forms of government, yet America possesses a model of civil polity that remains distinct and unparalleled. This perspective emphasizes a sense of divine purpose or destiny in shaping a new political experiment that aligns with ideals of freedom and democracy.
Themes
PoliticsSocietyAmericaGovernanceFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a discussion on the uniqueness of American democracy.
More from Ezra Stiles
All quotes βSimilar quotes
To be popular one must be a mediocrity.
Oscar WildeRead
Easter means that Christmas worked.
Timothy KellerRead
Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.
Duke Of WellingtonRead
This Universe is a wild revel of atoms, men, and stars, each one a Soul of Light and Mirth, horsed on Eternity.
Aleister CrowleyRead
I still do not understand how a corporation can have person-hood if it has no soul and never dies.
Jon StewartRead
Let it crumble! Let the rocks revile me and flowers wilt at my coming. Your whole universe is not enough to prove me wrong. You are the king of gods, king of stones and stars, king of the waves of the sea. But you are not the king of man.
Jean-Paul SartreRead