Friedrich Hoelderlin Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"What has always made the state a hell on earth
has been precisely that man has tried to make it his heaven."

by:	Friedrich Hoelderlin [Johann Christian Friedrich H�lderlin ] (1770-1843) German poet
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Categories:	Government, Hypocrisy, Oppression, Politics, Power, Religion, Socialism, Tyranny
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Reader comments about this quote:

Hayek uses this to introduce his chapter on The Great Utopian in The Road to Serfdom. It could not be more appropriate. -- Bob Davis, North Yarmouth ME 1
yep, I've always like the quote -- Mike, Norwalk
This is cute but it requires us to accept his proposition that "the state is hell on earth". Latest polls showed general happiness around the globe with USA kind of low on the list of happiness. But that was due apparently with the unpopularity of the soon to be late Bush Presidency. -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 1
Waff, it could also be the fear of what Obama brings to the presidency. His economic policies will make this economy look great by comparison. -- jim k, austin
Manipulation of others is mans biggest folly and the worlds saddest times -- RBESRQ 1
All too true whether it is religion or politics. -- E Archer, NYC 1
Don't worry about Waffler. He will only see a wonderful presidency while Obama is Pres. and the press will do all it can to make things look rosy. No matter how many disastrous things are done to "help" the economy. -- warren, olathe
Dystopia creating Utopians are, unfailingly, thoroughly self-deluded beings who exist in morbid states of idolatrous identification with their psychotically highly idealized self concepts. Esteeming themselves to be immeasurably worthier than they are, they can reliably be relied upon ever to have a better idea. -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill