"Government is an evil; it is only the thoughtlessness and vices of men that make it a necessary evil. When all men are good and wise, government will of itself decay"

This quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley suggests that federal government is an inherently negative force, however one that is needed due to the imperfections of humanity. He suggests that if all people were excellent and smart, federal government would no longer be needed. This indicates that federal government is a tool utilized to manage the masses, which it is only needed since of the vices and thoughtlessness of individuals. Shelley's quote suggests that government is a required evil, and that it is just needed due to the fact that of the flaws of mankind. He indicates that if all people were great and smart, federal government would no longer be necessary. This suggests that government is a tool utilized to manage the masses, which it is only necessary due to the fact that of the vices and thoughtlessness of individuals. Ultimately, Shelley's quote suggests that federal government is a required evil, but one that can be conquered if people make every effort to be much better and wiser.