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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

“Duty is that mode of action on the part of the individual which constitutes the best possible application of his capacity to the general benefit.”

Action Individual Duty Benefits Capacity Application

Book:Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, and Its Influence on Morals and Happiness: By William Godwin

Source: Enquiry Concerning Political Justice, and Its Influence on Morals and Happiness: By William Godwin

“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

“The first duty of man is to take none of the principles of conduct upon trust; to do nothing without a clear and individual conviction that it is right to be done.”

Men Firsts Done Individual Principles Clear Duty Conviction

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