Freedom Quote by ROBERT H BORK
““Radical egalitarianism necessarily presses us towards collectivism because a powerful state is required to suppress the differences that freedom produces. That raises the sinister and seemingly paradoxical possibility that radical individualism is the handmaiden of collectivist tyranny. This individualism, it is quite apparent in our time, attacks the authority of family, church, and private association. The family is said to be oppressive, the fount of our miseries. It is denied that the church may legitimately insist upon what it regards as moral behavior in its members. Private association are routinely denied the autonomy to define their membership for themselves. The upshot is that these institutions, which stand between the state and the individual, are progressively weakened and their functions increasingly dictated or taken over by the state. The individual becomes less of a member of powerful private institutions and more a member of an unstructured mass that is vulnerable to the collectivist coercion of the state. Thus does radical individualism prepare the way for its opposite.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics and the American Way, Robert H Bork, 1995
Radical egalitarianism pushes toward collectivism, needing a strong state to suppress natural differences, which can lead to tyranny and weaken private institutions.
In simple terms: Egalitarianism can unintentionally empower the state and erode families, churches, and groups.
Guard private institutions and balance equality with individual liberty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- community building
- family discussions
- religious education
- civil society activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies promote equality without undermining private institutions?
- What safeguards protect families and churches from state overreach?
Overemphasis on equality may ignore the value of diverse private structures.