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“The object of government is the welfare of the people.”
Roosevelt evaluates public power by whether it serves the welfare of people rather than becoming an instrument for entrenched private advantage or special interests.
Source note: The New Nationalism, Osawatomie, Kansas, August 31, 1910. This is Progressive Era political argument about public welfare, economic power and government responsibility, not current policy guidance.
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“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Voice: Reported speaker · Jesus
Status is inverted: the stronger model of greatness is usefulness to others rather than rank, display, or privilege.
Source note: Matthew 23:11 in the King James Version, within a warning against seeking honorific status and public elevation.
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“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
The closing line ties democratic government to public responsibility rather than rulers standing apart from citizens.
Source note: Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863.
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“All those governments which have a common good in view are rightly established and strictly just.”
Political rule is judged by whether it aims at a shared good rather than merely advancing the private advantage of those holding power.
Source note: Politics, Book III, William Ellis translation; Aristotle distinguishes correct constitutions by their orientation toward common benefit.
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“Good men are mutually helpful.”
Moral development is not purely solitary; people can strengthen one another through counsel, example, correction, and shared practice.
Source note: Letter 109 considers whether one wise person can benefit another and answers that good people are mutually useful.
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“The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.”
Accumulating wealth without using it responsibly is presented as a moral failure, shifting attention from possession to stewardship and public benefit.
Source note: The Gospel of Wealth; Carnegie argues that surplus wealth carries social responsibilities during the owner’s lifetime.