George Mason Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"Considering the natural lust for power so inherent in man,
I fear the thirst of power will prevail to oppress the people."

by:	George Mason (1725-1792), drafted the Virgina Declaration of Rights, ally of James Madison and George Washington
Source:	The Papers of George Mason, 1052 (Robert A. Rutland Ed., 1970)
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Categories:	Oppression, Power, Wisdom
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Reader comments about this quote:

This is the foundation of all troubles faced by governments and societies throughout history in every corner of the earth. Too often a man's ambition trumps his concience; too often passion overrules reason. We as a nation must not think of what is owed to ourselves by our government or our neighbors. We must plow our own row and eat our own bread. We must not allow our own greed to cloud our vision of the true meaning of justice. We must make justice our foundation and stand upon it through thick and thin no matter what it gives or takes. This must be the purpose of every government and the mission for every citizen of mankind because true justice is the will of the Supreme Governor so it is always beneficial to society as well as every rightous individual within it. -- Publius 1
This is so right especially now. Soros wants the power, Obama wants the power, but we are allowing the UN into our country who has always wanted power over American. These people are not for America, Americans, Our Constitution, Our Bill of Rights or our Declaration of Independence. They are wanting Obama along with the Unions to turn us over to them to govern us. I am afraid the day of reckoning is coming down upon us. -- Elaine, Atlanta
Rapacious Taxation, Domestic Spying, Lack of Representation, Irresponsible Spending, Infringements on Gun Rights, Freedom of Movement, Freedom of Speech, Property Rights, Eminent Domain, Un Interference in Domestic Affairs, a Puppet in the White House...The Land of the Free? -- J Carlton, Calgary
The many laws they pass-more ammendents to our constitution. Jefferson was right to say we need to tear it all up and start again every 20 years. That should mean a new congress as well. -- cal, lewisville, tx
If you doubt this quote, just look at the goings on in Washington. -- jim k, Austin,Tx
Lust for power is not natural. Apathy is a good example how this lust for power is extremely dormant in the vast majority of American people. Unfortunately, there are many who this doesn't apply too and who walk the corridors of government and sit in corporate board rooms. -- RBESRQ
-- Johann Hollar, St. Paul
Carlton, You've covered it pretty well, but forgot one other thing. Obama and the FCC is now in the process of taking over the Internet. We may be using CBs and Ham radios before long, that is if they don't shut down the frequencies altogether. Walky-Talkies anyone? When all else fails we can always hire a Town Crier and a fast horse! -- Carol, Georgia
Humans are easily domesticated, just like cattle. There will always be envious and lustful people in the world -- RBE does not see his own quest for progessivism as a desire for more power, for power not just over himself, but over others, too, the power to 'change the world' because it 'should' be changed and he knows how it should be. This, too, is a lust for power -- no less than the religious right have for their ideology. The apathetic have been conditioned to be apathetic, and are paid to be apathetic. There is nothing wrong with ambition, but when that ambition is for others to bend to your will, it is a lust for power. Power is energy. Food is energy, water is energy, life is energy, so yes, it is natural for us to hunt and gather -- it is a survival instinct. The 'civilized' man will learn to curb his passions, to recognize his humanity and weaknesses. The ignorant are always quick to try and rope you into their form of servitude. -- E Archer, NYC
I think as we all know who read these, the man who prints them is a true freedom loving good man. we appreciate his work, in securing our right to know history, and the truth. -- Kimo, lahaina
How transparently Elaine in Atlanta and J Carlton in Calgary want to retain their version of power. One word: Bull Connor -- anonymous
I always look forward to hearing from you, Publius, Your words ring so true. ! To only wish you would speak with us more. From the servant to the judge and all points higher. No mater what it gives or takes. Justice. Humility before honour. Psalm 91:14,15,16. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation. -- watchman 13, USA
Words of wisdom have been said for millenniums but human race still have not learned from the wise. -- Rick Julius, Dallastown, PA
Oppression of the people by those power lusting ANTI-of / by / for We The People now prevails in the once home of the brave and land of the free. The power lusting police state that now infests a once (no longer) nation at law has as its central foundation - despotism and tyranny. -- Mike, Norwalk
Rick, Yes some do learn, but it is our responsibility to teach others. That is why teachers are call. it is part of the missionary calling. So true Mike, so true. What will it take to pluck them out by the roots ? Pull the weeds !! That is why we have the Core, of whom I have had the privilege to serve !! Five stars for the United States Marine Core !! -- watchman 13, USA

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