Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"Man exists for his own sake
and not to add a laborer to the State."

by:	Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
Source:	Journal, 1839
Rating:
Categories:	Communism, Freedom, Government, Independence, Individualism, Liberty, Responsibility, Socialism
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Reader comments about this quote:

-- Anonymous
Hear, hear! -- Washington, DC
Which came first? Man or the state? The state is the invention of man. And, just like Frankenstein turned on his inventor, so the state is the most dangerous weapon of mass destruction now in use against mankind. And its frontline users are the bureaucrats and politicians - and those who control them behind the scenes greasing the skids for the average citizen. Hello there Five Sisters! -- John-Douglas, Nassau
Ah, the passionate defiance of the State's hold on man. Yes, Emerson is right in his belief that man (and woman) are autonomous in their own right, but sadly he does not realize our unfortunate link to the State and its laws. Still, I've known Emerson's words for so long, and therefore choose his fight for the supremacy of the omnipotent I !!!!!!! The State may seem to make us its servants, but intrinsically we own ourselves, and that right can NEVER be infringed upon!!!! -- Odette, Kendall
-- Anonymous
Anonymous, why the thumbs down? -- Yndrd1984, Ames, IA
A breath of fresh air for my heart. -- Ed, Hillsborough, NC