Quote by John Stuart Mill
Thus, a people may prefer a free government, but if, from indolence, or carelessness, or cowardice, or want of public spirit, they are unequal to the exertions necessary for preserving it; if they will not fight for it when it is directly attacked; if they can be deluded by the artifices used to cheat them out of it; if by momentary discouragement, or temporary panic, or a fit of enthusiasm for an individual, they can be induced to lay their liberties at the feet even of a great man, or trust him with powers which enable him to subvert their institutions; in all these cases they are more or less unfit for liberty: and though it may be for their good to have had it even for a short time, they are unlikely long to enjoy it.
Summary
This quote suggests that even though a people may desire a free government, they may be unfit to maintain it if they lack the necessary qualities such as diligence, attentiveness, bravery, and a sense of public duty. If they are unwilling to defend their freedom, easily deceived by manipulative tactics, or willing to surrender their liberties to a charismatic leader, they demonstrate their unpreparedness for liberty. While having a taste of freedom may be beneficial initially, it is unlikely to be sustained if these conditions persist.
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