Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government's purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal well meaning but without understanding.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the need for vigilance in safeguarding liberty, particularly during times when the government appears to have good intentions. It suggests that individuals who are inherently accustomed to freedom are naturally wary of any attempts to undermine their liberties by malicious leaders. However, the quote also warns about the greater threat posed by seemingly well-intentioned individuals with fervent beliefs but lacking a true understanding of the implications of their actions. It serves as a reminder that the most dangerous encroachments on liberty come from those who genuinely believe they are acting for the greater good but fail to grasp the consequences of their deeds.