Argument Quote by Murray Rothbard
“In fact, the libertarian would reason that the fact that human nature is a mixture of both good and evil provides its own particular argument in his favor. For if man is such a mixture, then the best societal framework is surely one in which evil is discouraged and the good encouraged. The libertarian maintains that the existence of the State apparatus provides a ready, swift channel for the exercise of evil, since the rulers of the State are thereby legitimated and can wield compulsion in ways that no one else is permitted to do.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Man, Economy, and State, Murray Rothbard, 1962
Libertarians argue that because human nature contains both good and evil, the ideal society limits coercion to discourage evil and promote good.
In simple terms: Human nature is mixed; limit state power to curb evil.
Key Takeaway
Favor minimal government.
Themes
politics
human nature
government
libertarianism
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- community organization
- personal ethics
- public discourse
- lawmaking
Key Concepts
mixed morality
state coercion
individual liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect against state abuse while promoting good?
- Is any government necessary to curb evil?
A Different Perspective
State power can be abused despite good intentions.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
