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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.” quote by Carroll Quigley
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“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.”

Carroll Quigley

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

Key Takeaway

Distinguish political structures from social communities

Themes

politics history state theory

Mood

analytical historical

Type

academic informative

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • civic education
  • international relations
  • urban planning

Key Concepts

political science ancient philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does conflating state and society affect governance?
  • What are the implications for civic identity?
A Different Perspective

Modern nation‑states blur the line between state and society

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