The state machine, including the army, the police and the…
“The state machine, including the army, the police and the courts, is the instrument with which one class oppresses another. It is an instrument of oppression against all hostile classes; it means violence and is certainly not anything 'benevolent.' 'You are merciless.' Quite so. We definitely do not adopt a benevolent policy towards the reactionary activities of the reactionaries and the reactionary classes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The state, including military and police, serves as an instrument of class oppression, not benevolence.
In simple terms: State oppresses classes.
Key Takeaway
Recognize systemic oppression.
Themes
politics
class struggle
state power
Mood
critical
revolutionary
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy analysis
- education
Key Concepts
oppression
violence
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does class affect power?
- What alternatives exist to state oppression?
A Different Perspective
Some argue state can protect rights.