Citizens Quote by Edward Gibbon
“The comparative view of the powers of the magistrates, in two remarkable instances, is alone sufficient to represent the whole system of German manners. The disposal of the landed property within their district was absolutely vested in their hands, and they distributed it every year according to a new division. At the same time, they were not authorised to punish with death, to imprison, or even to strike, a private citizen.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume 2, Edward Gibbon, 1776
German magistrates held economic power but lacked coercive authority, illustrating a unique balance of power
In simple terms: Power can be economic without violent enforcement
Key Takeaway
Consider limits of authority without force
Themes
power
law
government
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- local governance
- property law
- political theory
Key Concepts
decentralization
legal authority
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How does limited coercive power affect governance?
- Can economic authority replace legal force?
A Different Perspective
Economic control alone may not ensure order
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
![“[In] the national and religious conflict of the [Byzantine and Saracen] empires, peace was without confidence, and war without mercy.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/338/edward-gibbon-710_byzantine_in-the-national-and-religious-conflict-o_29382.jpg)
![“[Every] hour of delay abates the fame and force of the invader, and multiplies the resources of defensive war.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4de/edward-gibbon-710_delay_every-hour-of-delay-abates-the-fame-and_94668.jpg)
