Quote by Henry David Thoreau
I heartily accept the motto,That government is best which governs least; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which I also believe,That government is best which governs not at all; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
Summary
In this quote, Henry David Thoreau expresses his support for limited government intervention. He believes that the best government is one that governs the least and that individuals should be left to govern themselves when prepared to do so. Thoreau views government as a necessary tool, but often finds it to be ineffective or unnecessary. Ultimately, he argues for a government that respects individual liberty and allows individuals to make their own choices without undue interference.