Quote by Thomas Babington Macaulay

Many politicians lay it down as a self-evident proposition, that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story, who resolved not to go into the water till he had learned to swim.

Many politicians lay it down as a self-evident proposition,

Summary

This quote challenges the idea that freedom should only be granted to people who are deemed capable of handling it. It compares such thinking to the foolishness of a someone refusing to enter water until they have learned to swim. The quote suggests that freedom is a fundamental right and should not be contingent on someone's ability or readiness to exercise it. It highlights the flaw in politicians' belief that people must prove their worthiness before being allowed to enjoy their freedoms.

By Thomas Babington Macaulay

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