Citizens Quote by Richard Cornuelle
“To say or imply that the foundation exists only on the sufferance of government is to reason from the untenable notion that the citizen and all his institutions are creatures of the state, not the other way around.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Limits of Government, Richard Cornuelle, 1972
It argues that viewing citizens as dependent on the state ignores their inherent autonomy and the role of civil society.
In simple terms: Citizens are not just state creations.
Key Takeaway
Recognize individual and institutional independence.
Themes
politics
individualism
civil society
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- community organizing
- education reform
- citizen activism
Key Concepts
social contract
autonomy
state power
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance state support with personal freedom?
- What institutions thrive without government control?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks the benefits of coordinated collective action.
