Quotation by

Thomas B. Macaulay

Many politicians are in the habit of laying it down as a self-evident proposition that no people ought to be free till they are fit to use their freedom. The maxim is worthy of the fool in the old story who resolved not to go into the water till he had le

Thomas B. Macaulay

Freedom

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Macaulay criticizes politicians who argue that people must prove they can handle freedom before being granted it, suggesting this idea is flawed. He compares this to a foolish person who refuses to enter water until they learn how to swim, which is impossible without first trying.

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