Allergies Quote by Anthony de Jasay
“People who live in states have as a rule never experienced the state of nature and vice-versa, and have no practical possibility of moving from the one to the other ... On what grounds, then, do people form hypotheses about the relative merits of state and state of nature? ... My contention here is that preferences for political arrangements of society are to a large extent produced by these very arrangements, so that political institutions are either addictive like some drugs, or allergy-inducing like some others, or both, for they may be one thing for some people and the other for others.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The State of Freedom, Anthony de Jasay, 1995
People in societies never truly know a natural state, yet they judge political systems, which are shaped by those very systems, creating bias and dependence.
In simple terms: We judge politics without experiencing nature, and politics shape our preferences.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how institutions influence your political views.
Themes
politics
philosophy
human nature
bias
dependence
Mood
critical
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- academic debate
- public discourse
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
social contract
institutional addiction
cognitive bias
political psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do current institutions shape your political assumptions?
- Can you imagine a society without any political structures?
A Different Perspective
Political preferences are often formed by the institutions themselves, limiting objective assessment.
![“Having gathered all power to itself, [the State] has become the sole focus of all conflict, and it must construct totalitarian defences to match its total exposure.” quote by Anthony de Jasay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ba/anthony-de-jasay-57156_conflict_having-gathered-all-power-to-itself-the_188102.jpg)
![“[I hate] the ways that people want their special needs to be met, whether it's their food allergies or their special lotions or shoes. Or the ways that people want their neighborhoods and restaurants curated in a way that's really tailored to them. Growing up with someone who was living by these…” quote by Carrie Brownstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c7b/carrie-brownstein-1580_allergic_i-hate-the-ways-that-people-want-their-s_154917.jpg)
