This was delivered by Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 regarding the pursuit of position and power. It is a sobering reminder of what drives many people into government as observed through his decades of experience, not cynicism, but realism. 

I will let you, my fellow Americans, infer your take on this extraordinary oratory by perhaps the greatest statesman in our republic’s history. 

Please remember as you read his words the famous story of the woman who approached him during the convention on the street in Philadelphia and told him she had heard we were going to be a republic, his fateful five words to her have resonated throughout our history, “If we can keep it.” 

“Sir, there are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice, the love of power and the love of money. Separately, each of these has great force in prompting men to action; but, when united in view of the same object, they have, in many minds, the most violent effects. Place before the eyes of such men a post of honor, that shall, at the same time, be a place of profit, and they will move heaven and earth to obtain it. The vast number of such places it is that renders the British Government so tempestuous. The struggles for them are the true source of all those factions which are perpetually dividing the nation, distracting its councils, hurrying into sometimes fruitless and mischievous wars, and often compelling a submission to dishonorable terms of peace.

“And of what kind are the men that will strive for this profitable pre-eminence through all the bustle of the cabal, the heat of contention, the infinite mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters? It will not be the wise and moderate, the lovers of peace and good order, the men fittest for the trust. It will be the bold and the violent, the men of strong passions and indefatigable activity in their selfish pursuits. These will thrust themselves into your government, and be your rulers. And these, too, will be mistaken in the expected happiness of their situation, for their vanquished competitors, of the same spirit, and from the same motives, will perpetually be endeavoring to distress their administration, thwart their treasures, and render them odious to the people.” 

We the people must find the humility to address our flaws, bridge the divisiveness and renew this grand old republic honoring our Constitution or what we have been incredibly blessed becomes a footnote in human history; the choice is ours. 

May God continue to bless the United States of America and each one of you.

Ned Sader has more than two decades of public affairs experience working for corporations and nonprofits, with a specialty in the development of public/private partnerships. He has served on numerous regional boards and is a lifelong resident of Wayne County, PA. You can find more of his writing here.