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Joseph Hume Quotes

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About Joseph Hume

Joseph Hume (1777–1855) was a Scottish political reformer, journalist, and Member of Parliament who played a significant role in the early development of modern British democracy. Born on June 12, 1777, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Hume's interest in politics began at an early age. He apprenticed as a bookseller but soon turned to journalism, becoming editor of the influential newspaper, The Scotsman, in 1817. Hume was a prominent figure in the radical movement for parliamentary reform in Scotland during the early 19th century. In 1832, he was elected as the first Member of Parliament (MP) for Montrose Burghs, representing the Whig Party. During his tenure, Hume advocated for electoral reform and transparency in government. He is perhaps best known for his persistent efforts to expose the abuses of the East India Company, ultimately leading to the India Act of 1853. One of Hume's most significant contributions was introducing a motion in 1839 calling for an investigation into the affairs of the East India Company, which at the time had near-autonomous control over India. This led to the establishment of a select committee that exposed widespread corruption and abuses. Despite facing strong opposition from powerful interests, Hume's relentless pursuit of truth and justice earned him respect and admiration. Hume also played an instrumental role in establishing the Royal Geographical Society in 1830 and was involved in various humanitarian causes, including the abolition of slavery. He retired from parliamentary life in 1852 and died on March 6, 1855, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a champion of democratic values and reformer.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The art of government is not to make or mend systems, but to make or mend men."

Joseph Hume's quote suggests that effective governance lies not in creating or improving political structures (systems), but rather in shaping the character and qualities of individuals (men). In other words, good leadership should focus on developing capable, ethical, and responsible citizens to create a well-functioning society. This perspective underscores the importance of education, personal growth, and moral values in fostering an effective government.

"Parliaments are places where nothing happens, except the expense of a great deal of time and money."

This quote by Joseph Hume suggests that parliamentary sessions, though important for democratic governance, can sometimes be inefficient or unproductive. He is implying that despite the significant cost (both financial and temporal) associated with parliamentary meetings, they may not always result in tangible outcomes or progress. This could be due to various factors such as political gridlock, debates without concrete resolutions, or lengthy discussions without productive results. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of a parliament can vary greatly depending on the specific context and political climate.

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

This quote highlights the importance of facts and evidence in shaping reality, regardless of personal desires, feelings, or beliefs. It suggests that no matter how strongly one may wish something to be true, if the facts and evidence do not support it, the truth remains unchanged. In essence, it underscores the primacy of objective truth over subjective perspectives.

"It is always easy to denounce the government; but who can construct one?"

The quote by Joseph Hume highlights the challenge of criticizing an existing system or government, while acknowledging that offering viable alternatives is often more difficult. It emphasizes the responsibility of those who are critical to also propose solutions, as mere criticism without constructive alternatives does not contribute to progress or effective change.

"There is no such thing as a self-made man; every man is made by others."

This quote by Joseph Hume emphasizes that everyone's life journey and success are deeply interconnected with those around them. It suggests that while individual effort and achievement are important, they are not isolated events but rather the result of various influences from family, friends, teachers, mentors, and society as a whole. Essentially, it underscores the idea that our growth and development are largely shaped by others, making us collectively responsible for shaping the world and its future.

We ought, therefore, to lessen the price of food to our manufacturers, and place them more on a level with the manufacturers who have cheaper food, and also much lighter taxation.

- Joseph Hume

More, Cheaper, Manufacturers, Lighter

Fortunately for England, all her imports are raw materials.

- Joseph Hume

England, Her, Imports, Materials

Our people are unemployed and anxious to work for the food which foreigners can give us.

- Joseph Hume

Give, Anxious, Which, Our People

With an open trade in corn and a fixed duty we should have every man in the country fully fed and happy, instead of our present situation in which so much distress exists - distress of our own producing.

- Joseph Hume

Country, Distress, Which, Fixed

I see no reason for giving the capital employed in agriculture greater protection than the capital vested in other branches of trade, manufacture, or commerce.

- Joseph Hume

Reason, Other, Capital, Vested

I am willing to admit that if the agriculturists are oppressed by peculiar burdens, they ought to be relieved from them, or be allowed a fair and just protection equivalent to all such peculiar burdens.

- Joseph Hume

Willing, Equivalent, Allowed, Peculiar

At the present moment the people of England are only three-quarters fed, and the result of this improvement in the export of our manufactures would be, that they would be entirely fed.

- Joseph Hume

England, Three-Quarters, Fed, Export

In Great Britain the price of food is at a higher level than in any other country, and consequently, the British artisan labours at a disadvantage in proportion to the higher rate of his food.

- Joseph Hume

Country, Other, Disadvantage, Artisan

The advantage to Great Britain of a regular free trade in corn would, therefore, be more by raising the rest of the world to our standard and price, than by lowering the prices here to the standard of the Continent.

- Joseph Hume

Here, Standard, Raising, Regular

I maintain that the existing corn laws are bad, because they have given a monopoly of food to the landed interest over every other class and over every other interest in the kingdom.

- Joseph Hume

Other, Over, Given, Monopoly

Destroy or take away the employment and wages of those artisans - which the corn laws in a great measure do - and you will, ere long, render the land in Great Britain of as little value as it is in other countries.

- Joseph Hume

Other, Away, Britain, Great Britain

Worse there cannot be; a better, I believe, there may be, by giving energy to the capital and skill of the country to produce exports, by increasing which, alone, can we flatter ourselves with the prospect of finding employment for that part of our population now unemployed.

- Joseph Hume

Country, Exports, Capital, Employment

So that a famine price is vague, and the plan subject to all the inconvenience now experienced.

- Joseph Hume

Price, Vague, Famine, Experienced

There is abundant proof that the opening of our ports always tends to raise the price of foreign corn to the price in the English market, and not to sink the price of British corn to the price in the continental market.

- Joseph Hume

Corn, Always, Continental, Tends

Now, what produces a want of demand? A refusal to take from other countries the commodities which they produce.

- Joseph Hume

Want, Other, Which, Produces

What farmers require is, that the prices should be moderate, and the markets steady; and for this reason I did, in 1826, 1827, and 1828, take the course which I would now recommend to the House.

- Joseph Hume

Reason, Which, Require, Moderate

It is, and long has been my opinion, and I have heard honourable members in this House declare it to be theirs - that it is the duty of Parliament equally to protect all the different interests in the country.

- Joseph Hume

Country, Been, Declare, Honourable

Land, in England, is valuable, because we have highly-paid artisans to consume the produce on the spot.

- Joseph Hume

England, Land, Spot, Valuable

Our course, then, is clear; if we desire to put an end to pauperism, or to lessen it, we should import everything we can use or sell, in order that we may employ our unemployed hands, in making the goods by which we pay for these imports.

- Joseph Hume

Hands, Employ, Import, Unemployed

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