Sometimes it is said that man can not be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.

Summary

This quote questions whether individuals can be trusted to govern themselves and others. It argues that if human nature cannot handle self-government, then how can they be entrusted to govern others? It suggests that perhaps it is naive to believe that leaders, such as kings, possess angelic qualities and can effectively govern a society. The quote points to history as the ultimate judge in determining whether humans are capable of governing themselves and if giving power to a single ruler is the answer.