Quote by Walt Whitman
It is only the novice in political economy who thinks it is the duty of government to make its citizens happy. Government has no such office. To protect the weak and the minority from the impositions of the strong and the majorityto prevent any one from positively working to render the people unhappy, to do the labor not of an officious inter-meddler in the affairs of men, but of a prudent watchman who prevents outragethese are rather the proper duties of a government. Under the specious pretext of effecting the happiness of the whole community, nearly all the wrongs and intrusions of government have been carried through. The legislature may, and should, when such things fall in its way, lend its potential weight to the cause of virtue and happinessbut to legislate in direct behalf of those objects is never available, and rarely effects any even temporary benefit.
Summary
This quote emphasizes that it is a common misconception for individuals to believe that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the happiness of its citizens. Instead, the true duty of a government is to protect the vulnerable and prevent those in power from imposing on the weak. Acting as a watchful guardian, the government should strive to maintain order and prevent harm rather than meddling excessively in people's lives. While some may argue in favor of legislating for the greater good, this quote asserts that it rarely produces long-lasting positive results and often leads to infringements on individual liberties.
By Walt Whitman
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