Arbitrary Quote by Isabel Paterson
“There can be no greater stretch of arbitrary power than is required to seize children from their parents, teach them whatever the authorities decree they shall be taught, and expropriate from the parents the funds to pay for the procedure.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Freedom, Isabel Paterson, 1943
The quote criticizes the extreme authority that removes children from families, imposes state‑approved education, and forces parents to fund it.
In simple terms: State power can forcibly separate families and dictate education.
Key Takeaway
Beware of policies that undermine parental rights.
Themes
freedom
education
state power
Mood
concerned
critical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative debate
- parent‑teacher meetings
- social activism
- legal challenges
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
parental rights
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can protect families while ensuring education?
- Is there a middle ground between state control and parental autonomy?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook benefits of standardized education and social support.
![“[I]f vice and corruption prevail, liberty cannot subsist; but if virtue have the advantage, arbitrary power cannot be established.” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ef/algernon-sidney-20606_advantage_i-f-vice-and-corruption-prevail-liberty_1785566.jpg)
