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The policy of seeking values from human beings by means of…

“The policy of seeking values from human beings by means of force, when practiced by an individual, is called crime. When practiced by a government, it is called statism ...” quote by Nathaniel Branden
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“The policy of seeking values from human beings by means of force, when practiced by an individual, is called crime. When practiced by a government, it is called statism ...”

Nathaniel Branden

About This Quote

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

Forceful extraction of values is crime for individuals, but becomes statism when done by governments.

In simple terms: Extracting values by force is crime; governments doing it is statism.

Key Takeaway

Guard against coercive value imposition.

Themes

ethics politics human rights

Mood

analytical critical

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • human rights advocacy
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

philosophy political theory psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does state influence become coercive?
  • How can societies protect individual value autonomy?
A Different Perspective

The definition may oversimplify complex political systems.

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