Arise Quote by Peter Kropotkin
“But times and tempers are changed. Rebels are everywhere to be found who no longer wish to obey the law without knowing whence it comes, what are its uses, and whither arises the obligation to submit to it, and the reverence with which it is encompassed. The rebels of our day are criticizing the very foundations of society which have hitherto been held sacred, and first and foremost amongst them that fetish, law.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Conquest of Bread, Peter Kropotkin, 1892
The quote argues that modern rebels reject law without understanding its purpose, challenging traditional authority and sacred social foundations.
In simple terms: People question laws they don’t understand, undermining old authority.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions behind laws and seek their purpose.
Themes
authority
rebellion
law
society
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- academic debate
- community organizing
- legal reform
- public policy
Key Concepts
anarchism
social contract
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we accept laws without questioning?
- What responsibilities accompany freedom from authority?
A Different Perspective
The critique may overlook the need for some shared rules to maintain order.
