Bases Quote by Carroll Quigley
“A state is not the same thing as a society, although the Greeks and Romans thought it was. A state is an organization of power on a territorial basis.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “Tragedy and Hope” (1966, Historical analysis)
A state is a territorial power organization, distinct from society, contrary to ancient Greek/Roman views
In simple terms: A state is power on land, not the same as society
Distinguish political structures from social communities
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- civic education
- international relations
- urban planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does conflating state and society affect governance?
- What are the implications for civic identity?
Modern nation‑states blur the line between state and society