Divine providence Quote by Mikhail Bakunin
““There is not, there cannot be, a State without religion. Take the freest States in the world—the United States of America or the Swiss Confederation, for instance—and see what an important part is played in all official discourses by divine Providence, that supreme sanction of all States.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: 19th Century political essay, null, 1864
Bakunin argues that religion is essential for the legitimacy and cohesion of any state, as it provides a divine justification that underpins authority.
In simple terms: States need religion for legitimacy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the role of belief in governance.
Themes
politics
religion
state legitimacy
authority
social cohesion
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government formation
- constitutional debates
- public policy
- national identity
Key Concepts
theocracy
social contract
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does religion influence modern political legitimacy?
- Can a state thrive without religious narratives?
A Different Perspective
Secular societies may function without divine justification.
![“By the divine providence [animals] are intended for man's use... Hence it is not wrong for man to make use of them, either by killing or in any other way whatsoever.” quote by Thomas Aquinas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f48/thomas-aquinas-837_animal_by-the-divine-providence-animals-are-int_112669.jpg)
![“They [the Founding Fathers] were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance with the principle of self-government. They were an inspired body of men. It has been said that God sifted the nations that He might send choice grain into the wilderness ... Who can fail to see it in…” quote by Calvin Coolidge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/141/calvin-coolidge-764_body_they-the-founding-fathers-were-intent-up_337118.jpg)
