Quote by Elihu Root
We all know of course that we cannot abolish all the evils in this world by statute or by the enforcement of statutes, nor can we prevent the inexorable law of nature which decrees that suffering shall follow vice, and all the evil passions and folly of mankind. Law cannot give to depravity the rewards of virtue, to indolence the rewards of industry, to indifference the rewards of ambition, or to ignorance the rewards of learning. The utmost that government can do is measurably to protect men, not against the wrong they do themselves but against wrong done by others and to promote the long, slow process of educating mind and character to a better knowledge and nobler standards of life and conduct. We know all this, but when we see how much misery there is in the world and instinctively cry out against it, and when we see some things that government may do to mitigate it, we are apt to forget how little after all it is possible for any government to do, and to hold the particular government of the time and place to a standard of responsibility which no government can possibly meet.
Summary
This quote highlights the limitations of government and legislation in eradicating all the evils and suffering in the world. It acknowledges that while laws can protect individuals from harm caused by others, they cannot prevent the consequences of one's own actions or offset the natural consequences of vice, folly, and ignorance. The quote emphasizes that government's role is primarily to protect and promote the long-term process of education, shaping minds and character towards virtuous behavior and higher standards of living. It serves as a reminder not to hold governments solely accountable for solving all societal problems, recognizing the inherent constraints faced by any administration.
By Elihu Root
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