Our rulers will best promote the improvement of the nation by strictly confining themselves to their own legitimate duties, by leaving capital to find its most lucrative course, commodities their fair price, industry and intelligence their natural reward, idleness and folly their natural punishment, by maintaining peace, by defending property, by diminishing the price of law, and by observing strict economy in every department of the state. Let the Government do this: the People will assuredly do the rest.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the belief that governments should limit their responsibilities to their proper roles, such as maintaining peace, defending property, reducing legal costs, and practicing economic efficiency. By allowing capital, commodities, industry, and intelligence to operate freely, the quote suggests that they will naturally flourish. Meanwhile, idleness and foolishness will face their own consequences. The quote highlights the idea that if the government fulfills its essential functions, the people will be capable of handling the rest, indicating a belief in the power and competence of individuals and the self-regulatory nature of society.

Topics