Equality Quote by Herbert Spencer
““As a corollary to the proposition that all institutions must be subordinated to the law of equal freedom, we cannot choose but admit the right of the citizen to adopt a condition of voluntary outlawry. If every man has freedom to do all that he wills, provided he infringes not the equal freedom of any other man, then he is free to drop connection with the state—to relinquish its protection, and to refuse paying towards its support. It is self-evident that in so behaving he in no way trenches upon the liberty of others; for his position is a passive one; and whilst passive he cannot become an aggressor. It is equally selfevident that he cannot be compelled to continue one of a political corporation, without a breach of the moral law, seeing that citizenship involves payment of taxes; and the taking away of a man’s property against his will, is an infringement of his rights.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Principles of Sociology, 1876
The quote argues that true freedom means the ability to withdraw from state obligations without harming others, as long as one does not infringe on equal freedom.
In simple terms: Freedom includes the right to opt out of state duties without harming others.
Key Takeaway
Consider opting out of unjust systems.
Themes
freedom
individual rights
state authority
political philosophy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- tax protest
- civil disobedience
- political activism
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
social contract
voluntary non‑participation
moral law
Questions to Reflect On
- Is voluntary non‑participation truly harmless?
- How does this view address collective responsibilities?
A Different Perspective
It assumes the state can be ignored without consequences, which may not hold in practice.
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