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The only government tolerated by libertarians is one that…

“The only government tolerated by libertarians is one that exercises only retaliatory use of force on anyone who initiates the use of force against anyone else within its borders.” quote by John Hospers
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““The only government tolerated by libertarians is one that exercises only retaliatory use of force on anyone who initiates the use of force against anyone else within its borders.””

John Hospers

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A libertarian state should only use force retaliator against aggressors within its borders.

In simple terms: Force only as retaliation.

Key Takeaway

Advocate minimal state force.

Themes

political philosophy non-aggression state authority

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • border security
  • self-defense policies

Key Concepts

libertarianism ethical governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines an initiator of force?
  • How to prevent abuse of retaliatory power?
A Different Perspective

Real-world enforcement can be ambiguous.

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