"Man in general, if reduced to himself, is too wicked to be free"
- Joseph de Maistre
About this Quote
This quote by Joseph de Maistre suggests that, when delegated their own devices, people are inherently wicked and can not be trusted to govern themselves. He suggests that, without the existence of a higher authority, people would be unable to restrain their own wickedness. This is a downhearted view of humanity, as it recommends that individuals are incapable of self-governance and require to be controlled by a greater power.
De Maistre's quote can be viewed as a criticism of the Enlightenment suitables of freedom and self-determination. He suggests that, without the existence of a greater authority, people would be unable to control their own impulses and would be unable to make reasonable decisions. He indicates that, without the presence of a higher power, people would be not able to restrain their own wickedness and would be unable to live in a totally free and simply society.
De Maistre's quote can likewise be seen as a caution versus the dangers of untreated power. He suggests that, without the presence of a greater authority, people would be not able to control their own impulses and would be unable to make reasonable decisions. He suggests that, without the presence of a higher power, individuals would be unable to limit their own wickedness and would be unable to live in a complimentary and simply society.
In general, Joseph de Maistre's quote recommends that, without the presence of a higher authority, people would be not able to restrain their own wickedness and would be unable to reside in a complimentary and just society. He suggests that, without the presence of a higher power, individuals would be not able to manage their own impulses and would be not able to make rational choices. This quote functions as a warning against the dangers of unattended power and a tip of the value of having a greater authority to guarantee that individuals are able to live in a complimentary and just society.
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