“A state too expensive in itself, or by virtue of its dependencies, ultimately falls into decay”

— Simón Bolívar

Letter from Jamaica (Summer 1815)
Context: A state too expensive in itself, or by virtue of its dependencies, ultimately falls into decay; its free government is transformed into a tyranny; it disregards the principles which it should preserve, and finally degenerates into despotism. The distinguishing characteristic of small republics is stability: the character of large republics is mutability.

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Simón Bolívar 17

Venezuelan military and political leader, South American li… 1783–1830

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“A state too expensive in itself, or by virtue of its dependencies, ultimately falls into decay”

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Simón Bolívar 17

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