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Crime Quote by Max Stirner

“The State calls its own violence, law; but that of the individual, crime” quote by Max Stirner
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“The State calls its own violence, law; but that of the individual, crime”

Max Stirner

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Ego and Its Own, 1844

Society labels its collective force as law, while individual wrongdoing is called crime, revealing a double standard.

In simple terms: Collective force is called law, individual acts crime.

Key Takeaway

Question the fairness of legal definitions.

Themes

law individualism justice

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • legal reform
  • civil rights activism

Key Concepts

Anarchism ethical relativism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is law truly neutral?
  • What defines a crime versus a law?
A Different Perspective

Legal systems often protect the powerful.

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