Summary
This quote suggests that having a well-functioning government is not enough if individuals, as citizens, do not actively participate in the governance of their own affairs. It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and active engagement in decision-making processes. While a good government can provide structure and stability, it is ultimately the responsibility of individuals to exercise their rights, engage in politics, and contribute to the functioning of their society. Self-government implies taking charge of one's own actions and having an active role in shaping the society and government in which one lives.