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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

“Revolution is engendered by an indignation with tyranny, yet is itself pregnant with tyranny.... An attempt to scrutinize men's thoughts and punish their opinions is of all kinds of despotism the most odious: yet this is peculiarly character of a period of revolution.... There is no period more at war with the existence of liberty.”

Men Kind War Character Existence Liberty Opinion Atheism Revolution Periods Positive Atheism Tyranny All Kinds Pregnant Despotism Indignation Scrutinize

Author:William Godwin

“He has no right to his life when his duty calls him to resign it. Other men are bound ... to deprive him of life or liberty, if that should appear in any case to be indispensably necessary to prevent a greater evil.”

Ifs Men Should Evil Liberty Cases Greater Atheism Duty Bounds Positive Atheism

Book:Enquiry concerning political justice: with selections from Godwin's other writings

Source: Enquiry concerning political justice: with selections from Godwin's other writings

“Make men wise, and by that very operation you make them free. Civil liberty follows as a consequence of this; no usurped power can stand against the artillery of opinion.”

Men Wisdom Liberty Opinion Wise Consequence Civil Rights Operations Civil Liberties Artillery

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