Quote by Thomas Jefferson
The mobs of great cities add just so much to the support of pure government, as sores do to the strength of the human body. It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the negative impact of large urban populations on the stability and effectiveness of government. It suggests that the masses in cities are akin to sores that weaken the body, implying that they are a burden rather than a support to government. The quote argues that the strength of a republic lies in the character and values of its people. Any decline in these aspects is likened to a destructive disease that erodes the very foundations of the laws and constitution. Thus, the quote underscores the importance of preserving positive manners and a patriotic spirit to maintain a strong republic.
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