Acting Quote by Frederic Bastiat
“Since no individual acting separately can lawfully use force to destroy the rights of others, does it not logically follow that the same principle also applies to the common force that is nothing more than the organized combination of the individual forces?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen, 1850
The principle that individual force cannot lawfully infringe rights extends to collective force, implying organized power must respect the same limits.
In simple terms: Collective power must obey the same rights limits as individuals.
Key Takeaway
Ensure institutions protect rights like individuals do.
Themes
rights
law
collective power
ethics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- law enforcement
- public protest
- corporate governance
Key Concepts
social contract
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies enforce rights limits on large institutions?
- What safeguards prevent collective force from overriding individual rights?
A Different Perspective
Collective actions can be harder to regulate, risking abuse despite the principle.
