I say this ironically, not because I favor the State, but…
“I say this ironically, not because I favor the State, but because people are not in the state of mind right now where they feel that they can manage themselves. We have to go through an educational process - which does not involve, in my opinion, compromises with the State. But if the State disappeared tomorrow by accident, and the police disappeared and the army disappeared and the government agencies disappeared, the ironical situation is that people would suddenly feel denuded.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People lack confidence in self-governance and rely on the State, even though they could manage without it.
In simple terms: People doubt self-management, depend on the State.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate confidence in collective self‑governance.
Themes
anarchism
education
state critique
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- grassroots organizing
- civic education
- political theory
Key Concepts
self‑reliance
community building
Questions to Reflect On
- What education can empower self‑management?
- How to transition from state dependence?
A Different Perspective
Self‑governance may be unrealistic without transitional structures.