The Government of a nation itself is usually found to be but the reflex of the individuals composing it. The Government that is ahead of the people will inevitably be dragged down to their level, as the Government that is behind them will in the long run be dragged up.

— Samuel Smiles Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct (1859)

More quotes by Samuel Smiles

Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct (1859)

Thrift (1875)

Self-Help; with Illustrations of Character and Conduct (1859)

Samuel Smiles and the Victorian Work Ethic (1987)

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