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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

“As the true object of education is not to render the pupil the mere copy of his preceptor, it is rather to be rejoiced in, than lamented, that various reading should lead him into new trains of thinking.”

Thinking Should Reading Objects Train Mere Various Copies Pupils

Book:The Enquirer

Source: The Enquirer

“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

“The cause of justice is the cause of humanity. Its advocates should overflow with universal good will. We should love this cause, for it conduces to the general happiness of mankind.”

Love Should Happiness Humanity Causes Justice Mankind Universal Good Will Overflow

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

“No man must encroach upon my province, nor I upon his. He may advise me, moderately and without pertinaciousness, but he must not expect to dictate to me. He may censure me freely and without reserve; but he should remember that I am to act by my deliberation and not his. I ought to exercise my talents for the benefit of others; but that exercise must be the fruit of my own conviction; no man must attempt to press me into the service.”

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