“The first duty of a government is to protect the rights of the governed.”
What this quote means
Turgot states a fundamental principle of the social contract: power is justified only by protecting citizens' rights. This idea, ahead of its time, grounds the legitimacy of the state. It resonates today in the face of power abuses, reminding us that every institution must serve the individual, not the reverse.
How to apply it daily
Identify a rule or policy in your community that seems not to protect everyone's rights. Write a letter proposing a change.
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