Balance Quote by Anthony de Jasay
“Self-imposed limits on sovereign power can disarm mistrust, but provide no guarantee of liberty and property beyond those afforded by the balance between state and private force.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The State and the Market, Anthony de Jasay, 1975
Balancing state authority and private force can reduce distrust but does not ensure freedom or property rights beyond that balance.
In simple terms: Limits on government can lower mistrust but don't guarantee liberty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of state power and seek balanced safeguards.
Themes
politics
freedom
trust
property
state power
Mood
cautious
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy design
- constitutional reform
- civil society advocacy
- private security
- economic regulation
Key Concepts
social contract
balance of power
liberty
property rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can complement state authority?
- How to ensure private force respects rights?
A Different Perspective
State power alone cannot fully protect liberty; private mechanisms also matter.
![“[G]overnment can, instead of extending freedom, restrict freedom. And note ... that the 'can' quickly becomes 'will' the moment the holders of government power are left to their own devices. This is because of the corrupting influence of power, the natural tendency of men who possess some power to…” quote by Barry Goldwater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/289/barry-goldwater-3353_acquisition_g-overnment-can-instead-of-extending-fre_3176762.jpg)
![“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)
