Anarchist Quote by Larken Rose
““If you personally advocate that I be caged if I don't pay for whatever "government" things YOU want, please don't pretend to be tolerant, or non-violent, or enlightened, or compassionate. Don't pretend you believe in "live and let live," and don't pretend you want peace, freedom or harmony. It's a simple truism that the only people in the world who are willing to "live and let live" are voluntaryists. So you can either PRETEND to care about and respect your fellow man while continuing to advocate widespread authoritarian violence, or you can embrace the concepts of self-ownership and peaceful coexistence, and become an anarchist.””
About This Quote
Source Blog post: Anarchist Principles, 2018
The author argues that true tolerance cannot coexist with advocating coercive authority, urging self‑ownership and peaceful coexistence.
In simple terms: Tolerance contradicts supporting authoritarianism; embrace self‑ownership.
Key Takeaway
Choose consistent values over hypocrisy.
Themes
politics
ethics
freedom
Mood
provocative
challenging
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- public discourse
- ethical debates
- community building
Key Concepts
Anarchism
voluntaryism
non‑violence
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true tolerance exist without compromise?
- What does self‑ownership mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Critics may view anarchism as unrealistic in complex societies.
![“[On an anarchist acquaintance:] Everything in appearance the most alarmist aunt could wish.” quote by Sylvia Townsend Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae9/sylvia-townsend-warner-7063_acquaintance_on-an-anarchist-acquaintance-everything_72515.jpg)
