Anarchist Quote by Robert A. Heinlein
“Those who refuse to support and defend the state have no claim to protection by that state. Killing an anarchist or a pacifist should not be considered "murder" in a legalistic sense. The offense against the state, if any, should be "Using deadly weapons within city limits," or "Creating a traffic hazard," or other misdemeanor.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein, 1966
State protection is granted only to those who support it; dissenters lose legal safeguards, framing violence as non‑murder.
In simple terms: Support the state, get protection; otherwise, you’re vulnerable.
Key Takeaway
Consider the cost of dissent.
Themes
politics
law
state authority
Mood
critical
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- activism
- legal defense
- public policy
Key Concepts
social contract
civil disobedience
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it just to deny protection to conscientious objectors?
- How should societies balance security and dissent?
A Different Perspective
The view ignores legitimate moral objections to unjust laws.
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