Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The effectiveness of a Constitution depends more on the character of the people implementing it than on the Constitution itself.
This quote by B. R. Ambedkar highlights the critical importance of the moral and ethical integrity of individuals in positions of power. It suggests that a well-constructed Constitution can fail if those in charge are corrupt or unprincipled, while a flawed Constitution can succeed if it is enforced by good people with noble intentions, emphasizing the vital role of human values in governance.
Themes
ConstitutionGovernanceIntegrityPowerEthics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of ethical leadership in politics.
More from B. R. Ambedkar
All quotes →Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.
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I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.
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So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you.
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Law and Order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.
B. R. AmbedkarRead
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