Courses Quote by Peter Kropotkin
“The State is only one of the forms assumed by society in the course of history. Why then make no distinction between what is permanent and what is accidental?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution by Peter Kropotkin, 1902
Society takes many shapes over time; the State is just one temporary form, not a permanent fixture.
In simple terms: The State is a temporary social form.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fluidity of political structures.
Themes
politics
history
society
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- activism
- educational curricula
- public debate
Key Concepts
social evolution
state theory
historical materialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for institutions with awareness of their temporariness?
- What structures might replace the State in the future?
A Different Perspective
The State can have lasting impacts despite being temporary.
![“I think it is important for all those young out there - who someday hope to play real football, where you throw it and kick it and run with it and put it in your hands - [that] a distinction should be made that football is democratic capitalism, whereas soccer is a European socialist sport.” quote by Jack Kemp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a4e/jack-kemp-8099_capitalism_i-think-it-is-important-for-all-those-yo_19015.jpg)
![“Bernie [Ecclestone] is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better. Of course. I also do think about our sport and want to make an effort - but in my own way. I am Nico [Rosberg] and not Lewis [Hamilton]!” quote by Bernie Ecclestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15c/bernie-ecclestone-8452_champion_bernie-ecclestone-is-the-commercial-righ_2948.jpg)
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
