Canada Quote by Kirkpatrick Sale
“The virtue of small government is that the mistakes are small as well...If you want to leave a nation you think is corrupt, inefficient, militaristic, oppressive, repressive, but you don't want to move to Canada or France, what do you do? Well, the way is through secession, where you could stay home and be where you want to be.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Case for Secession, Kirkpatrick Sale, 1997
Small government limits the scale of errors, and secession offers a way to escape a corrupt nation without emigrating to traditional destinations.
In simple terms: Small government makes mistakes small; secession lets you leave a bad nation without moving far.
Key Takeaway
Consider local autonomy as an alternative to emigration.
Themes
politics
government
freedom
secession
autonomy
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activists
- disillusioned citizens
- policy makers
- community organizers
Key Concepts
social contract
self‑determination
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is secession a viable solution for systemic issues?
- What are the risks of fragmenting a nation?
A Different Perspective
Secession can be impractical and may create new conflicts.
