Quote by Louis D. Brandeis, Olmstead vs.
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 importance of remaining vigilant in defending liberty, especially when the government appears to have benevolent intentions. It suggests that individuals who are accustomed to freedom are naturally attentive and resistant to any infringement on their liberties by malicious leaders. However, the quote warns that the gravest threat to liberty often arises from well-intentioned but misguided individuals who are unaware of or fail to comprehend the impact of their actions. Therefore, it urges constant vigilance to safeguard against subtle encroachments on liberty from individuals driven by zeal but lacking understanding.