A monarchy is the most expensive of all forms of government, the regal state requiring a costly parade, and he who depends on his own power to rule, must strengthen that power by bribing the active and enterprising whom he cannot intimidate.

The quote by James Fenimore Cooper critiques the inherent inefficiencies and costs of monarchy as a form of government. Cooper, a renowned American novelist and social critic, argues that a monarchy is the most expensive form of government due to the lavish lifestyle and regal state that monarchs must maintain. The "costly parade" refers to the extravagant displays of power, luxury, and tradition often associated with a monarchy, which require significant financial resources to uphold.

Cooper further explains that a monarch who relies solely on personal power to rule must take additional steps to maintain control. Since intimidation alone may not be sufficient, the ruler must also bribe or win over the active and enterprising individuals—those with the influence, wealth, or drive to challenge the monarchy. This implies that the system of monarchical rule often involves corruption and patronage, as rulers need to secure loyalty from powerful figures through incentives, rather than relying on the legitimacy of their rule or the consent of the governed.

The origin of this quote reflects Cooper's broader views on government and authority, which he often explored in his writings. As an author of novels like The Last of the Mohicans and The Spy, Cooper was deeply interested in the effects of power and governance on society. His criticisms of monarchy, in particular, come from his belief in the value of democracy and republican ideals, which he saw as more just and sustainable than systems based on hereditary power and unchecked authority.

Ultimately, Cooper's words highlight the corrupting influence of monarchy, suggesting that its costs—both financial and moral—are unsustainable. He points out that rulers who rely on personal power and bribery to maintain control are undermining the integrity of their governance, making monarchy a dangerous and inefficient system of rule.