"What gives the new despotism its peculiar effectiveness
is indeed its liaison with humanitarianism,
but beyond this fact its capacity for entering
into the smallest details of human life."
by:
Robert Nisbet
(1913-1996) American sociologist, author
Source:
Twilight of Authority, 1975
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Reader comments about this quote:
Is meaningless without more explanation.
 -- Dick Trice     
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    Hmmm, Communitarian Traditionalist eh? Is it becoming a bit clearer that there might be the promotion of an agenda here?
     -- Terry Berg, Occidental, CA     
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    There is considerable truth here. But one has to think on it for a bit to perceive it. Something like this has already begun the process of turning the USA into a truly despotic socialist state,
     -- John-Douglas, Nassau     
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    The new despotism with its deceptive lies that are told often enough to be believed, legalized crimes, and intrusive dehumanizing of the individual now secures its clueless chattel cradle to grave.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    The only reason we buy into this nanny-statism is the promise of a better world based on humanitarian principles -- same for religion. In the end, though, government and religion if given carte blanche become over-intrusive and over-zealous in their causes resulting in a form of totalitarianism held together by violence and intimidation. Collective power must always be kept in check by individual responsibility.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    Is this quote saying "humanitarianism bad". God help us if we have come to that. I have been visitiing wonderful museums, parks, monuments placed there by wealthy individuals for no other person than to share with 'humanity". Can this quote be casting aspersions on humanitarianism? What the hell is going on here? PS: Have you ever met a conservative or Republican humanitarian?
     -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas     
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    Waffler, the quote is shedding light on those despots that are criminally enslaving each and every, any and all, to the smallest details of human life under the guise of humanitarianism. Humanitarianism is not bad. Just because you call an act good though, doesn't make it so or, it doesn't mean it tangibly promotes freedom, liberty, life, happiness, etc. AND on my monthly excursions to do Katrina relief, there are far more conservative/Republican humanitarians than anyone else. It seems most 'anyone' else would rather sit on their laurels and have the government steal the money, using such ill gotten booty to finance the re-build and enslavement of all the locals.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Mike, the reason that you see more conservative types doing that type of work is because conservatives see a problem and do something about it. Liberals tend to look for someone to blame and transfer any actions required to government. Any perceived problem is viewed as a political opportunity by liberal politicians. Conservatives see it as a community service opportunity.
     -- warren, olathe     
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    The use of humanitarianism as one facet of cover for the socialist agenda works very well. It lets people feel good as they march unknowingly into socialist slavery. Unfortunately most of us are that easily fooled.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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     -- RobertSRQ      
    Political government is an arbitrary entity that retains a monopoly on the legal use and exercise of force. The only appropriate use of government is to protect the life, liberty, and property of the individual. Could such protection of life, liberty, or property be considered "humane" or within the bounds of "humanitarianism"? Sure. As J Carlton and Mike have both described, just because something is defined as being humane doesn't, however, make it so. Some of the greatest atrocities and infringements on liberty and freedom have came from an overzealous majority or a vile despot in the name of "humanitarianism." It has been said the most feared words liberty can hear are: "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."
     -- Logan, Memphis, TN     
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    "The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetuated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of the individual, and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public Liberty."

    With that being said, Monocrat despots within government, residing in seats of power for personal enrichment, have brought about that which George Washington feared. Having now been exposed through the current administration under President Trump's leadership the Fraud and treason come to light for the nation to see and choose what is that right and noble cause of liberty and Freedom from oppression for the individual. MAGA to KAG 
     -- Ronw13, Oregon     
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     -- Mary, MI      
    What give the new despotism it's effectiveness is the support by the traditional despotism that's always run this country.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
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    The despotic forces of greed and selfishness which influences much of the interests of the business of the nation must be altered for this nation to meets it's obligation as the leading unifying global partner and member.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
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