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Never Forget, even for an instant, that the one and only…

“Never Forget, even for an instant, that the one and only reason anybody has for taking your gun away is to make you weaker than he is, so he can do something to you that you wouldn't allow him to do if you were equipped to prevent it. This goes for burglars, muggers, and rapists, and even more so…” quote by L. Neil Smith
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“Never Forget, even for an instant, that the one and only reason anybody has for taking your gun away is to make you weaker than he is, so he can do something to you that you wouldn't allow him to do if you were equipped to prevent it. This goes for burglars, muggers, and rapists, and even more so for policemen, bureaucrats, and politicians.”

L. Neil Smith

About This Quote

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

Power dynamics make people disarm others to gain advantage, leading to vulnerability and potential harm.

In simple terms: People weaken others to control them.

Key Takeaway

Beware of those who try to strip your power.

Themes

power control vulnerability violence

Mood

cautious defensive critical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal safety
  • law enforcement
  • political activism
  • self‑protection

Key Concepts

political philosophy self‑defense social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you protect yourself without becoming oppressive?
  • When is it justified to remove someone's power?
A Different Perspective

Disarming can backfire if the disarmed regains strength.

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