The Small Compass

The role of government in a nation’s prosperity is important but limited.

1787

Introduction

Bentham argues that while laws are necessary to protect security and liberty, government action should stop there: politicians can never do as much for us as we can do for ourselves.

by Jeremy Bentham 1748-1832

THE motto, or watchword of government, on these occasions, ought to be — Be quiet.

Each individual bestowing more time and attention upon the means of preserving and increasing his portion of wealth, than is or can be bestowed by government, is likely to take a more effectual course than what, in his instance and on his behalf, would be taken by government.

Whatever measures, therefore, cannot be justified as exceptions to that rule, may be considered as non agenda on the part of government.* The art, therefore, is reduced within a small compass: security and freedom are all that industry requires.

The request which agriculture, manufactures, and commerce present to governments, is modest and reasonable as that which Diogenes made to Alexander: “Stand out of my sunshine.”** We have no need of favour — we require only a secure and open path.

by Jeremy Bentham 1748-1832

From ‘The Works of Jeremy Bentham’ (Volume III) at the online Library of Liberty.

‘non agenda’ is a Latin phrase meaning ‘actions that are not required’.

** In 336 BC, Alexander the Great visited the philosopher Diogenes, who was holidaying in Corinth. See ‘Stand out of my Sunshine!’.

Précis

The philosopher Jeremy Bentham argued that the role of government in wealth creation should be limited to keeping businesses secure and free, since business owners themselves are best placed to set and achieve their own goals. Aside from that, a government should resolve to ‘be quiet’, or risk being accused of standing in the way of success.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

What does Bentham mean by telling governments they should ‘be quiet’?

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

An individual gives time and attention to his business. Government cannot give as much.