Mankind when left to themselves
â
Mankind,
when left to themselves,
are unfit for their own government.
â
Meaning
This quote expresses a skeptical view that people, left entirely to themselves, are not fit to govern wisely.
About Author
George Washington
George Washington was the first President of the United States and a key Founding Father. Known for his leadership in the Revolutionary War and governance, his quotes often reflect integrity, perseverance, and civic duty. Washington inspires leaders, historians, and citizens to uphold democratic values, ethical leadership, and commitment to public service.
Related Quotes
â The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. â
This quote means bitter party rivalry can become its own kind of despotism and eventually prepare the way for even worse tyranny.
â Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty. â
This quote means oversized standing militaries are dangerous to liberty, especially in a republic.
â I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct, which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent. â
This quote means he knew his actions were setting precedents because he was operating in largely uncharted constitutional territory.