A Conservative is a fellow who is standing athwart history yelling 'Stop!'
William F. Buckley, Jr.Read
Government can't do anything for you except in proportion as it can do something to you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Government's support is limited to its ability to exert control over individuals.
This quote highlights the notion that any assistance or benefit provided by the government is inherently linked to its capacity to regulate and influence the lives of its citizens. It suggests a dynamic relationship where the extent of governmental support corresponds directly with its power to impose rules and enact policies, reflecting a fundamental tension between liberty and authority.
Themes
GovernmentPowerControlAuthorityInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the responsibilities of government, this quote can illustrate how government intervention and support are balanced with personal freedoms.
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I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.
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One must bear in mind that the expansion of federal activity is a form of eating for politicians.
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I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would affront your intelligence.
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You cannot paint the Mona Lisa by assigning one dab each to a thousand painters.
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