Another man Quote by Orson Scott Card
““My father always said that government is like watching another man piss in your boot. Someone feels better but it certainly isn't you.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, 1985
Government is portrayed as an invasive, uncomfortable presence that offers a fleeting sense of relief but ultimately benefits no one.
In simple terms: Government feels invasive and offers false comfort.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek true autonomy.
Themes
politics
authority
individualism
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
political
satirical
When to use this quote
- voting
- activism
- community organizing
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
social contract
power dynamics
personal liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect civic engagement?
- What alternatives to government exist?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex governance benefits.
![“They [Christian rednecks] were so stupid that they couldn't pour piss out of a boot even if the instructions were printed on the bottom.” quote by Joe Bageant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac7/joe-bageant-25954_boots_they-christian-rednecks-were-so-stupid-t_951113.jpg)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
