Government Quotes by Albert J. Nock

The State, on the other hand, both in its genesis and by its primary intention, is purely anti-social. It is not based on the…

— Albert J. Nock

When we speak freely, let us speak plainly, for plain speech is wholesome; especially, plain speech about public affairs and public men.

— Albert J. Nock

The practical reason for freedom is that freedom seems to be the only condition under which any kind of substantial moral fiber can be…

— Albert J. Nock

Like all predatory or parasitic institutions, its first instinct is that of self-preservation. All its enterprises are directed first towards preserving its own life,…

— Albert J. Nock

The simple truth is that our businessmen do not want a government that will let business alone. They want a government they can use.

— Albert J. Nock

Above all things the mass-mind is most bitterly resentful of superiority. It will not tolerate the thought of an elite; and under a political…

— Albert J. Nock

By consequence I hold that no one ever did, or can do, anything for "society."... Comte invented the term altruism as an antonym for…

— Albert J. Nock

It is certainly true that whatever a man may do or say, the most significant thing about him is what he thinks; and significant…

— Albert J. Nock

The positive testimony of history is that the State invariably had its origin in conquest and confiscation. No primitive State known to history originated…

— Albert J. Nock

Instead of recognizing the State as ‘the common enemy of all well-disposed, industrious and decent men,’ the run of mankind, with rare exceptions, regards…

— Albert J. Nock

There are two methods, or means, and only two, whereby man's needs and desires can be satisfied. One is the production and exchange of…

— Albert J. Nock

Personal publicity of every kind is utterly distasteful to me, and I have made greater efforts to escape it than most people make to…

— Albert J. Nock

It is interesting to observe that in the year 1935 the average individual's incurious attitude towards the phenomenon of the State is precisely what…

— Albert J. Nock

I am said to be difficult of acquaintance, unwilling to meet any one half way, and showing a social manner which is easy, not…

— Albert J. Nock

The question of who is right and who is wrong has seemed to me always too small to be worth a moment's thought, while…

— Albert J. Nock