Justice Quote by Mikhail Bakunin
““We have already observed that by excluding the immense majority of the human species from its midst, by keeping this majority outside the reciprocal engagements and duties of morality, of justice, and of right, the State denies humanity and, using that sonorous word patriotism, imposes injustice and cruelty as a supreme duty upon all its subjects. It restricts, it mutilates, it kills humanity in them, so that by ceasing to be men, they may be solely citizens—or rather, and more specifically, that through the historic connection and succession of facts, they may never rise above the citizen to the height of being man We have also seen that every state, under pain of destruction and fearing to be devoured by its neighbor states, must reach out toward omnipotence, and, having become powerful, must conquer. Who speaks of conquest speaks of peoples conquered, subjugated, reduced to slavery in whatever form or denomination. Slavery, therefore, is the necessary consequence of the very existence of the State.””
About This Quote
Source Book: God and State, Mikhail Bakunin, 1882
The state inherently creates oppression by excluding most people from moral participation, turning them into mere citizens and enabling conquest and slavery as inevitable outcomes.
In simple terms: The state excludes most people, leading to oppression and slavery.
Recognize and resist state-imposed oppression.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy reform
- education
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the state justify exclusion?
- What alternatives to the state can protect humanity?
State power can also provide stability and services, complicating resistance.