Every form of government tends to perish by excess of its basic principle.

Summary

This quote suggests that all types of government have a tendency to self-destruct when taken to an extreme. Whether it is a democracy, monarchy, or any other form, when the fundamental principles upon which a government operates become too extreme or exaggerated, the system becomes unstable and prone to collapse. It serves as a warning against the dangers of becoming too fixated on any particular political ideology or principle, stating that moderation and balance are crucial for the long-term sustainability of a government.