Arbitrary Quote by Friedrich Ratzel
“Arbitrary rule has its basis, not in the strength of the state or the chief, but in the moral weakness of the individual, who submits almost without resistance to the domineering power.”
About This Quote
Arbitrary rules stem from individual moral weakness, not state strength, leading to passive submission.
In simple terms: Weak individuals enable arbitrary authority.
Key Takeaway
Strengthen personal morals to resist oppression.
Themes
authority
morality
individual
submission
power dynamics
Mood
analytical
serious
concerned
Type
Arbitrary:1
Bases:0
Chiefs:0
Democracy:0
Freedom:0
Individual:1
Moral:1
Power:0
Resistance:0
Revolution:0
States:0
Submit:0
Weakness:0
Moral Weakness:0
Chief Moral:0
Arbitrary Rule:0
Domineering Power:0
Weakness Individual:0
When to use this quote
- governance
- activism
- personal development
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What strengthens personal moral resolve?
- How to challenge arbitrary power?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may be suppressed by fear.
![“Fascism is [...] arbitrary rule by a charismatic head of state.” quote by Tibor R. Machan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5db/tibor-r-machan-50735_arbitrary_fascism-is-arbitrary-rule-by-a-charismat_1736168.jpg)
![“The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society; the best book for regulating the temporal [secular] concerns of men.” quote by Noah Webster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/109/noah-webster-8440_bible_the-bible-is-the-chief-moral-cause-of-al_1006101.jpg)
