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William Godwin

William Godwin Quotes

Journalist

William Godwin was an English journalist, writer, and philosopher known for his contributions to liberal and socialist ideas. He is particularly famous for his work 'Enquiry Concerning Political Justice', which outlined theories on freedom, equality, and property. Born on March 3, 1756, he passed away on April 7, 1836.

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Famous William Godwin Quotes

“Above all we should not forget, that government is an evil, an usurpation upon the private judgment and individual conscience of mankind.”

Should Government Evil Individual Forget Mankind Conscience Judgement Anarchist Usurpation

Author:William Godwin

“Obey; this may be right; but beware of reverence.... Government is nothing but regulated force; force is its appropriate claim upon your attention. It is the business of individuals to persuade; the tendency of concentrated strength, is only to give consistency and permanence to an influence more compendious than persuasion.”

Giving May Government Individual Force Attention Atheism Influence Claims Positive Atheism Tendencies Appropriate Reverence Consistency Persuasion Permanence

Book:Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and Its Influence on Morals and Happiness

Source: Enquiry Concerning Political Justice and Its Influence on Morals and Happiness

“Government can have no more than two legitimate purposes - the suppression of injustice against individuals within the community, and the common defense against external invasion.”

Two Government Purpose Individual Community Common Liberty Injustice Defense Invasion Suppression Common Defense

Book:Enquiry Concerning Political Justice: And Its Influence On Morals And Happiness

Source: Enquiry Concerning Political Justice: And Its Influence On Morals And Happiness

“Government will not fail to employ education, to strengthen its hands and perpetuate its institutions.”

Hands Government School Failing Institutions Historical

Author:William Godwin

“As long as parents and teachers in general shall fall under the established rule, it is clear that politics and modes of government will educate and infect us all. They poison our minds, before we can resist, or so much as suspect their malignity. Like the barbarous directors of the Eastern seraglios, they deprive us of our vitality, and fit us for their despicable employment from the cradle.”

Source: Enquiry Concerning Political Justice: And Its Influence On Morals And Happiness

“Whenever government assumes to deliver us from the trouble of thinking for ourselves, the only consequences it produces are those of torpor and imbecility.”

Thinking Government Trouble Produce Consequence Assuming Imbecility

Book:An enquiry concerning political justice, and its influence on general virtue and happiness

Source: An enquiry concerning political justice, and its influence on general virtue and happiness