“The worth of a state, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.”

? what is the 'worth' of an individual. Teaching stories tell of leaving the many (99) and going after the one. From my perspective, all individuals are noble, joint heirs with Eternity. My statement here in no way represents the action of people. The worth of a state is more accurately defined by the actions of the individuals composing it.

THAT'S what I've been trying, in my own inept way, to tell folks with whom I argue. Thank you, Mr. Mill !!

The strength of a state, in the long run, is the strength of the individuals composing it. Knowledge based, in, contract with God, who would have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth. Perfect love casteth out all fear. Teach your children well. The strength of faith is based upon the individuals knowledge.

Maybe this quote is saying, "We get what we deserve".

In computer class we were taught "garbage in, garbage out." There's also, "you reap what you sow," "you get out of it what you put into it," and "you are what you eat." ;-)

Mike makes a good point -- what is the 'worth' of an individual?

Can't really rate the quote. In the context of individual liberty and personal responsibility, then great, what a nation that would be. But in the context of statism, the determination of 'worth' is determined by the state, thus, the statement can be used as a justification for totalitarianism and even genocide.

I might add to what is the worth of an individual — what is the state or its worth? There was once a starting point for the de jure States united that would hopefully modify and increase in its servant's administration of inalienable rights, liberty and justice for all. Was that body politic of sovereigns united (complete with servants) at the laws of nature and nature's God the state? What was that worth and were those composing it equal to the state?Were those financiers that killed such "State" with the controlling tyranny of socialism the State? Is the current occupying statist theocracy infesting this land (a death cult) the State? Is a State the collective with an insatiable appetite to control through lethal means? Are those constituents of love, truth, the nobility of life, individual sovereignty, inalienable rights, liberty and the laws of nature and of nature's God actually composing or equal to the current occupying statist theocracy infesting this land? Again, I don't know how to rate the quote.

Let the worth of an individual not be measured by money, for many are worthless who have great riches. 

The United States of America has the human composition to move it forward.