Herbert Spencer Quote

"The Republican form of government is the highest form of government; but because of this it requires the highest type of human nature -- a type nowhere at present existing."

by:	Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) British author, economist, philosopher
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Categories:	Government, Republic, Utopia
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How true....but hard to say that it doesn't exist anywhere at present.  -- Ben, Orem, UT      2
The highest form of government is still a criminal enterprise.  -- Justin, Elkland      2
When the individual remains sovereign with each and every one being equal before the law, and any / all representatives represent the sovereign, not the alien theocracy (or what ever form government takes) 'A' Republican form of government is the highest form of government. The highest type of human nature is always present somewhere but obviously not existing in any sufficient quantity to make a difference in government anywhere.  -- Mike, Norwalk      2
For any know-nothing who may be watching, the term Republican in this quote has nothing to do with the Republican political party. Our country was founded as a Republic, hence the term Republican in the quote.  -- jim k, Austin      3
Right on! Jim. It was founded as a Republic as in "government of, by and for the people" aka a democracy which also has nothing to do with the Democratic political party.  -- Waffler, Smith      1 3
This could be said of any political affiliation - it depends what side on the bench you are sitting. "...the highest type of human nature..." is ambiguous, so ambiguous that it is obviously impossible to find. Republicanism in the last part of the 20th century was very different to today's version of Republicanism - they practically verge on opposite sides. Basically, it comes from the meaning, things that are public – quite funny when you think that most on this blog are against things that are public. From Plato’s Republic to the French and American Revolution versions, they have gone through so much change that it would be impossible to find a definitive version …. “a type nowhere at present existing”.  -- RBESRQ      1
-- Anonymous
What can you say of take over, or replacement. The house must be purged by those commanding that good fight. For they have the insight and influence. Do not think these issues are not discussed. Our enamey knows our choices. As we are not egnorant of his devices.  -- Ron, Salem      1
Waffler, absolutely wrong over all. Trying to mix accurate statements with destructive bologna doesn't work. In a Republic, each and every, any and all are equal before the law with no exceptions (natural law). The Republic uses tools such as codes, ordinances, regulations, rules, statutes, etc. to define the eternal law that already exists. A Republic is understood to be a government of laws. A Democracy is as a third party inorganic god that is lawless at the laws of nature and of nature's God - enforcing its dogmas in favor of the many / might makes right - at detriment to the few (the occupying statist theocracy now infesting this land has gone so far they are even canonizing dogmas for the few at the detriment of the many). A Democracy is a usurpation of rights and as a perceived god, issues codes, ordinances, regulations, rules, statutes as though they were law (legal positivism) A Democracy is a government of men. A democracy, even more than a monarchy was the most hated and feared form of government by the founders of the de jure States united. By way of extremely terse example: “The general object was to produce a cure for the evils under which the United States labored; that in tracing these evils to their origins, every man had found it in the turbulence and follies of democracy.” (Edmund Randolph; Virginia delegate at the Constitutional Convention)  -- Mike, Norwalk      3
Mike, your dissertation is impressive but fraught with contradictions with regard to reality. For example, America's current foreign policy is to bring Democracy to sovereign nations who are currently under tyrannical law. And, whose resources they can rape and pillage under this guise. Republican rule (a government exercised by the people) was in existence in ancient times, namely, Napal, Africa, and so on. All these great words of "natural law" are totally without credence in a world that doesn't even know what the bloody hell you are talking about, especially when you refer to nature's God.. What matters is what is understood by the people and how and what they understand affects their well being (their livelihood) - this after all is where the meat meets the bone. You live, I presume in America, and in America, Democracy reigns supreme (so they have us believe). So, the argument with regard to a Republican form of government can never be reached because of the nature of us humans - it becomes corrupt and hence Augustus Caesar. This could change but I doubt for a very long time as our current interpretation IS NOT a republic that is governed by the people but by an few wealthy elite individuals, hence the quote - it does not exist....  -- Robert, Somewhere in Europe      2
-- Robert, Somewhere in Europe
Biblical inerrancy vs " cold " deism. Spencer embraces social darwinism, having lost his faith as a Christian when a teenager. He did not believe in revelation or the trinity. Many it seems within the Supreme Court hold to Spencer and his theories. A British subject through and through, pro union and industrialization curing the ills of man. As with our Republic and our Founding Fathers, the providence of God can be ascertained." Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two edged sword in their hand." ( Ps 149:6 ) " With a firm Reliance on Divine Providence." Spencer's statement is utter stupidity, standing in doubt and theory. A liberal political theorist.  -- Ronw13, Yachats Or
Robert, I agree with you. The practicality of today's reality has virtually no understanding of a republic's natural law nor do the power / war / hate mongers of nations allow such knowledge to come forth. It is but a mere individual here and there that is coming forth with understanding. My speaking in autocratic terms of law and the administrations thereof is mostly for educational purposes.That which the occupying statist theocracy infesting the once constitutional States united calls democracy, is a facade to justify their destruction of rights, liberty, freedom and ultimately, man kind. Elections are so rigged now that even democracy is pail in regards to what the puppeteers are doing to destroy.  -- Mike, Norwalk      3
And here I thought I was a free man...oh well back to the drawing board.  -- Warrdoc, Elk Grove,
By representing the individual sovereign I mean; the individual sovereign's personal inalienable rights and liberty at nature's law, NOT the person him/her self.  -- Mike, Norwalk      1
Specifically, which this description lacks, a scientific based Socialistic social arrangement will consistently direct the populous arrangement on a human developing course and promote life sustaining actions to preserve life. The Socialist will find  the life preservation solutions. Socialism is the challenge of social abilities to create.  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown      2
Half right, Waffler.  The FORM of the government of the USA is guaranteed to be "republican" in the US and State Constitutions — that's the ONLY reason the USA is referred to as a 'republic' (if you can keep it) not a democracy.  The word democracy does not appear in any American Constitution.  The founders hated democracy, which without the guarantee of the inalienable rights of the People ultimately will lead to the suicide of the republic.  -- E Archer, NYC
Hmm, ... no.  -- E Archer, NYC

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