Anthony de Jasay Quote

"Having gathered all power to itself,
[the State] has become the sole focus of all conflict,
and it must construct totalitarian defences to match its total exposure."

by:	Anthony de Jasay (1925- ) Hungarian writer
Source:	The State [1985] (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1998), p. 287.
Rating:
Categories:	Democracy, Statism, Totalitarian
	Tweet

And that is what will implode our country if we just sit back and allow it to happen - its really very simple; the good must overcome the evil - in other words, just because its not effecting you YET it will - listen to the cries of your brothers and sisters and get off your ... and do something about it...  -- Robert, Sarasota
The state, in order to keep and increase its power depends on conflict within and without its border. With conflict on the rise it is wise to remember civil unrest creates the chaos they desire to crack down and it's the state that foments violence so to justfy their power in using the Patriot Act.with full force.  -- Anon
Our government will continue to grab power until the blame for the problems it creates can no longer be shifted. I fear that violent insurrection will follow.  -- Justin, Elkland
All democracies in history have been cyclical. We're nearing the end of the cycle now. And historically speaking, we can look forward to a major shift. Lets hope its for the better. Prepare.  -- J Carlton, Calgary
Is this the "Change" too many voted for in our last election? Is this really what those voters wanted? Is ignorance still bliss?  -- cal, lewisville, tx
Anon, right on. this is the truth.  -- jim k, austin
There is no context for this quote (short of going out and reading the source work)... what state is being described? Is this his belief/claim, or is he just reporting on his interpretation of some event in the past... it is a worthless quote until put into context! Amazing how some of the above posters seem to believe this is some statement about Obama when it was written in 1985 (during Herr Reagan's reign).  -- Anonymous, Reston, VA, US
Yes, you have all stated what I believe most feel on this blog but alas though your words are meaningful they lack the structure we so desperately need to move forward. I could sit all day and pontificate about our possible demise - just the other day I read a report that said during the last 12 months 10 million guns and millions of ammunition have been sold - that is not what I meant by a constructive initiative; what is so desperately needed, if we are to overt civil unrest and violence in the streets, is to identify a group or person that we feel has integrity that will lead the charge and bring us from the point of devouring each other - someone or group we can thrust our support behind. Let everyone on this blog put forward ideas and suggestion (that are tenable) that may start the spark which ignites action. Sorry if anyone posted a retort to my previous posts (I have just returned from a 10 day trip) if so please let me know the date. Thanks Robert  -- RBESRQ
Oops! sorry Reston you got that one in under the radar. I think the statement is not about Obama but about the times we face and it is perhaps more relevant today than in 1985.  -- RBESRQ
It all culminating with Obama...so its all relevant to our time...."now". He's the axe man.  -- J Carlton, Calgary
The exercise of Power contrary to Natural Law (and the common good) requires lots of energy and effort. Stop feeding the beast and it will eventually weaken and die -- but not without a fight...  -- E Archer, NYC

Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
Email: