Authority Quote by Voltairine de Cleyre
“Miss Goldman is a Communist; I am an Individualist. She wishes to destroy the right of property; I wish to assert it. I make my war upon privilege and authority, whereby the right of property, the true right in that which is proper to the individual, is annihilated. She believes that co-operation would entirely supplant competition; I hold that competition in one form or another will always exist, and that it is highly desirable it should.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Anarchist Writings, 1890s
The author contrasts collectivist destruction of property rights with individualist defense, arguing that competition is inevitable and beneficial.
In simple terms: Individual rights vs. collectivist control; defend competition.
Key Takeaway
Defend personal property and competition.
Themes
individualism
property rights
competition
anarchism
Mood
defiant
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal debates
- business negotiations
- activism
- policy making
Key Concepts
libertarianism
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance competition with community welfare?
- When is competition harmful?
A Different Perspective
May overlook cooperative benefits and social safety nets.
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