Quote by Henry David Thoreau

Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.

Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments

Summary

This quote suggests that governments are only a temporary solution to societal needs, as they are often inefficient or unnecessary. It raises concerns about standing armies, highlighting valid criticisms that can eventually be extended to governments as a whole. In other words, the quote implies that governments should be critically evaluated and not be taken for granted, just like standing armies.

Topics

Government

By Henry David Thoreau

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