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The most cogent reason for restricting the interference of government is the great evil of adding unnecessarily to its power.
The only power deserving the name is that of masses, and of governments while they make themselves the organ of the tendencies and instincts of masses.
The general tendency of things throughout the world is to render mediocrity the ascendant power among mankind.
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant.
If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.
The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.
A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
There are many truths of which the full meaning cannot be realized until personal experience has brought it home.
Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure and the absence of pain.