Eternal vigilance is the price of libertypower is ever stealing from the many to the few. The hand entrusted with power becomes the necessary enemy of the people. Only by continual oversight can the democrat in office be prevented from hardening into a despot: only by unintermitted Agitation can a people be kept sufficiently awake to principle not to let liberty be smothered in material prosperity.

Summary

This quote highlights the importance of constant vigilance and alertness in order to preserve liberty. It suggests that those in power tend to exploit their position for personal gain, and thus, the hand entrusted with power inevitably becomes an adversary of the people. In order to prevent elected leaders from becoming despots, it is essential to have ongoing oversight and scrutiny. Similarly, the quote emphasizes that the people must remain actively engaged and maintain a constant state of agitation to ensure that the fundamental principles of liberty are not overshadowed or undermined by material advancement.