Citizens Quote by Will Durant
“Every state begins in compulsion; but the habits of obedience become the content of conscience, and soon every citizen thrills with loyalty to the flag. The citizen is right; for however the state begins, it soon becomes an indispensable prop to order.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, 1935
State power begins with coercion; obedience becomes moral conscience, fostering patriotism.
In simple terms: Obedience can become internalized belief.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess civic duties and personal values.
Themes
politics
morality
patriotism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- voting
- civic engagement
- education
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does loyalty mean to you?
- How do you balance state authority and personal conscience?
A Different Perspective
Blind loyalty can suppress dissent.
![“No citizen has any right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training; it is part of his profession as a citizen to keep himself in good condition... [It is] a disgrace for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and the strength of which his body is capable.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/53a/anonymous-1_amateur_no-citizen-has-any-right-to-be-an-amateu_830020.jpg)
