"Every political good carried to the extreme must be productive of evil"
- Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
About this Quote
This quote by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a warning versus extremism in politics. It recommends that when a political good is required to the severe, it can cause negative effects. This is since when a political good is taken to the extreme, it can cause an absence of balance and small amounts, which can cause a scenario where the great is no longer beneficial. For instance, if a political great such as flexibility of speech is required to the severe, it can lead to a circumstance where people are allowed to say anything without effect, which can lead to a lack of respect for the opinions of others and a breakdown of civil discourse. Eventually, this quote is a reminder that small amounts and balance are important for a healthy political system.