Ability Quote by Anonymous
“It is curious that people tend to regard government as a quasi-divine, selfless, Santa Claus organization. Government was constructed neither for ability nor for the exercise of loving care; government was built for the use of force and for necessarily demagogic appeals for votes. If individuals do not know their own interests in many cases, they are free to turn to private experts for guidance. It is absurd to say that they will be served better by a coercive, demagogic apparatus.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, unknown source
Government is fundamentally about coercion, not benevolence, and people should seek expert guidance rather than trust a paternalistic state.
In simple terms: Government uses force, not kindness.
Question authority, seek expertise.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- voting
- public policy
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the limits of state power?
- When is expert advice preferable to personal judgment?
Governments can also provide essential services and stability.