Arsenal Quote by Emma Goldman
“Order derived through submission and maintained by terror is not much of a safe guaranty; yet that is the only "order" that governments have ever maintained. True social harmony grows naturally out of solidarity of interests. In a society where those who always work never have anything, while those who never work enjoy everything, solidarity of interests is non-existent; hence social harmony is but a myth… Thus the entire arsenal of governments - laws, police, soldiers, the courts, legislatures, prisons - is strenuously engaged in "harmonizing" the most antagonistic elements in society.”
About This Quote
Goldman argues that order imposed by fear and terror is unstable, while true social harmony arises from shared interests, which are absent when wealth distribution is unequal.
In simple terms: Fear‑based order is fragile; harmony needs shared interests.
Key Takeaway
Equality and solidarity foster genuine stability.
Themes
political theory
social justice
government
Mood
critical
passionate
Type
political essay
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- activist organizing
Key Concepts
economic disparity
collective welfare
Practical Applications
- promote equitable resource distribution
Questions to Reflect On
- Can fear‑based order ever be sustainable?
- How to build solidarity in diverse societies?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing solidarity may overlook power dynamics.
