The very existence of government at all, infers inequality. The citizen who is preferred to office becomes the superior to those who are not, so long as he is the repository of power, and the child inherits the wealth of the parent as a controlling law of society.

James Fenimore Cooper’s quote explores the inherent inequality embedded in the very structure of government and society. He argues that the existence of government itself creates a system where individuals in positions of power, such as those elected to office, are elevated above others. The individual who holds office becomes superior to those who do not, as long as they remain the repository of power. Cooper is highlighting the hierarchical nature of governance, where those who wield authority are inherently placed above the rest of the population.

Cooper also touches on the concept of inheritance as a factor in perpetuating societal inequality. He notes that a child inherits the wealth of their parent, creating a social order in which the wealthy maintain their position in society through generations. This notion ties into the broader critique of aristocracy and the unequal distribution of wealth and power, which allows some families to control wealth and influence, further entrenching social divisions.

The origin of this quote reflects Cooper’s concern with democracy and the nature of power. As an author and social commentator, he often critiqued the structures of American society and governance, particularly as they evolved after the nation’s founding. Cooper’s views were shaped by his observations of the social inequalities in early American society, where wealth and political power often remained concentrated in the hands of a few.

In essence, Cooper’s quote serves as a critique of the structures that create and maintain inequality in both government and society. He emphasizes that the political system and the inheritance of wealth perpetuate a system where those in power are placed above others, making true equality difficult to achieve. This perspective challenges the ideal of a fully egalitarian society, suggesting that inequality is built into the very foundations of governance and society.