Communism Quote by George Bernard Shaw
![“[T]he most elaborate code of [law]... would still have left unspecified a hundred ways in which wreckers of Communism could have sidetracked it without ever having to face the essential questions: are you pulling your weight in the social boat? are you giving more trouble than you are worth? have…” quote by George Bernard Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/955/george-bernard-shaw-68_programming_t-he-most-elaborate-code-of-law-would-st_761875.jpg)
““[T]he most elaborate code of [law]... would still have left unspecified a hundred ways in which wreckers of Communism could have sidetracked it without ever having to face the essential questions: are you pulling your weight in the social boat? are you giving more trouble than you are worth? have you earned the privilege of living in a civilized community? That is why the Russians were forced to set up an Inquisition or Star Chamber, called at first the Cheka and now the Gay Pay Oo (Ogpu), to go into these questions and "liquidate" persons who could not answer them satisfactorily.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, early 20th century, unknown source
The quote warns that law alone cannot control those who undermine a system; a secret police is used to enforce conformity and eliminate dissenters.
In simple terms: Laws can’t stop all threats; secret forces enforce loyalty.
Key Takeaway
Beware of hidden enforcement that bypasses open debate.
Themes
power
control
conformity
politics
surveillance
Mood
cautious
critical
reflective
Type
political
warning
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- law enforcement
- civil liberties
- community standards
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
social contract
political repression
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies balance security and freedom?
- What safeguards prevent abuse of hidden enforcement?
A Different Perspective
It may overstate the role of secret police in all societies.
