“How prone all human institutions have been to decay; how subject the best-formed and most wisely organized governments have been to lose their check and totally dissolve; how difficult it has been for mankind, in all ages and countries, to preserve their dearest rights and best privileges, impelled as it were by an irresistible fate of despotism.”

I don't know what else I could add to such an astute in the obvious / accurate observation. From originating concepts of a body politic made up of sovereign individuals with inalienable rights; to, the Constitution; to, the occupying statist theocracy now infesting this land, Monroe's observation is exacting.

The seeds of the destruction of every civilization, seeds such as are present at its very inception, are the frailties that inhere in Fallen Human Nature.

Mike is right; this quote needs no explanation

It appears to be so, unfortunately. Jefferson said there ought to be a rebellion every 20 years as a check against centralized power. We could really use a crop of statesmen like the American founders, but the seats of power in the US government have been overrun by authoritarians of all stripes, while the stewards of liberty have been disempowered, weakened, and even ridiculed for their 'selfishness' and 'greed.' The tree of liberty is getting thirsty...

Does not the decay stem from the necessary growth and development being neglected in terms of our "dearest rights and privileges?" If it is human it must be cultivated in terms of growth. If you do not develop in terms of own "right and privileges" will you not be the despotism of your own making?