Quote by Abraham Lincoln
The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselvesin their separate, and individual capacities. In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere. The desirable things which the individuals of a people can not do, or can not well do, for themselves, fall into two classes: those which have relation to wrongs, and those which have not. Each of these branch off into an infinite variety of subdivisions. The firstthat in relation to wrongsembraces all crimes, misdemeanors, and nonperformance of contracts. The other embraces all which, in its nature, and without wrong, requires combined action, as public roads and highways, public schools, charities, pauperism, orphanage, estates of the deceased, and the machinery of government itself. From this it appears that if all men were just, there still would be some, though not so much, need for government.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the role and purpose of government in society. It argues that the government's primary function is to assist and provide for its citizens in areas where individual capacity falls short. It states that in areas where individuals can effectively manage themselves, the government should not interfere. The quote also distinguishes between two categories of areas where government intervention may be necessary: those related to wrongs (such as crimes and breaches of contract) and those unrelated to wrongs (such as public infrastructure, education, and social welfare). Essentially, the quote suggests that even in an ideal and just society, some level of government involvement would still be required.
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