Believe Quote by Edgar Friedenberg
“Most Americans would say that they disapproved of violence. But what they really mean is that they believe it should be the monopoly of the state.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Politics of Violence, 1975
Many claim to oppose violence, yet they often accept state‑sanctioned force as the only legitimate form.
In simple terms: Violence is often delegated to the state.
Key Takeaway
Question the monopoly of state violence.
Themes
politics
violence
authority
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- activist organizing
- legal reform
Key Concepts
social contract
legitimacy
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept any form of state violence?
- How can societies reduce reliance on force?
A Different Perspective
State violence can be justified as necessary for order.
![“The atmosphere [in the school lunchroom] is not quite that of a prison, because the students are permitted to talk quietly, under the frowning scrutiny of teachers standing around on duty, during their meal-they are not supposed to talk while standing in line, though this rule is only sporadically…” quote by Edgar Friedenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc7/edgar-friedenberg-25150_atmosphere_the-atmosphere-in-the-school-lunchroom-i_989560.jpg)
