James Harrington Quotes

United Kingdom, Political Scientist
January 3, 1611 – September, 11, 1677.

James Harrington (or Harington) (3 January 1611 – 11 September 1677) was an English political theorist of classical republicanism, best known for his controversial work, The Commonwealth of Oceana (1656). This work was an exposition on an ideal constitution, designed to facilitate the development of a utopian republic.

The Law is but words and paper without the hands of swords of men.

James Harrington
- Men
- Words
- Law
Vice: Whatever was passion in the contemplation of man, being brought forth by his will into action.

James Harrington
- Action
- Passion

A whole army, though they can neither write nor read, are not afraid of a platform, which they know is but earth or stone; nor of a cannon, which, without a hand to give fire to it, is but cold iron; therefore a whole army is afraid of one man.

James Harrington
- Earth
- Hand
- Fire
No man can be a politician, except he be first a historian or a traveller; for except he can see what must be, or what may be, he is no politician.

James Harrington
- May