When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.

Summary

This quote suggests that true freedom cannot exist in a society where individuals prioritize freedom from responsibility over all else. It implies that when people are not willing to take on the responsibilities that come with their freedom, a society loses its liberty. In the context of Athens, it signifies that once the citizens of Athens began to neglect their duties and evade responsibility, their freedom deteriorated and they were never able to regain it. The quote serves as a reminder that freedom necessitates accepting and fulfilling responsibilities as individuals within a community.

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