Commit Quote by Mikhail Bakunin
“The individual who dares commit a crime is guilty in a two-fold sense; first, he is guilty against human conscience, and, above all, he is guilty against the State in arrogating to himself one of its most precious privileges.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Political Philosophy of Mikhail Bakunin, 1872
A person who commits a crime violates both personal morality and the authority of the state by usurping its exclusive power to punish.
In simple terms: Crime offends conscience and steals state authority.
Key Takeaway
Respect moral and legal boundaries.
Themes
ethics
politics
authority
crime
conscience
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- legal reform
- public policy
- civic duty
Key Concepts
social contract
state legitimacy
individual responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies balance personal freedom with state authority?
- What mechanisms prevent individuals from overstepping legal limits?
A Different Perspective
State power cannot be fully delegated to individuals without risking abuse.
