Government Quote by Voltairine de Cleyre
![“[F]or the nature of government is to become a thing apart, an institution existing for its own sake, preying upon the people, and teaching whatever will tend to keep it secure in its seat.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9e/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_government_f-or-the-nature-of-government-is-to-beco_2703218.jpg)
““[F]or the nature of government is to become a thing apart, an institution existing for its own sake, preying upon the people, and teaching whatever will tend to keep it secure in its seat.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Anarchist Thought, 1905
Government separates itself from people, becoming a self‑preserving institution that preys on citizens.
In simple terms: Government can become self‑serving and oppressive.
Key Takeaway
Critique institutional power.
Themes
government
anarchism
power dynamics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy analysis
- education
Key Concepts
political theory
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power become self‑preserving?
- What alternatives exist to oppressive structures?
A Different Perspective
Some argue government provides essential services.
![“[T]o remain in a continually exalted moral condition is not human nature.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f76/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_character_t-o-remain-in-a-continually-exalted-mora_369043.jpg)
![“[The married woman is] is a bonded slave, who takes her master's name, her master's bread, and serves her master's passion; [and] who passes through the ordeal of pregnancy and the throes of travail at his dictation.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c98/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_bread_the-married-woman-is-is-a-bonded-slave-w_893588.jpg)
