To be GOVERNED is to be watched, inspected, spied upon…
““To be GOVERNED is to be watched, inspected, spied upon, directed, law-driven, numbered, regulated, enrolled, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, checked, estimated, censured, commanded… noted, registered, counted, taxed, stamped, measured, numbered, assessed, licensed, authorized, admonished, prevented, forbidden, reformed, corrected, punished… drilled, fleeced, exploited, monopolized, extorted from, squeezed, hoaxed, robbed… repressed, fined, vilified, harassed, hunted down, abused, clubbed, disarmed, bound, choked, imprisoned, judged, condemned, shot, deported, sacrificed, sold, betrayed… mocked, ridiculed, derided, outraged, dishonoured. That is government; that is its justice; that is its morality.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote lists many ways governments control and oppress individuals, equating that with their sense of justice and morality.
In simple terms: Governments impose extensive control and punishment, which they claim is justice.
Recognize and question authority's overreach.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- legal reform
- citizen awareness
- political education
- civil disobedience
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits should government have?
- How can citizens balance security and freedom?
It may exaggerate or conflate all state actions as purely negative.