Indeed, the keynote of government is injustice. With the arrogance and self-sufficiency of the King who could do no wrong, governments ordain, judge, condemn, and punish the most insignificant offenses, while maintaining themselves by the greatest of all offenses, the annihilation of individual liberty.

Summary

This quote asserts that injustice is the fundamental characteristic of governments. It criticizes governments for their arrogance and self-assuredness, comparing them to kings who believe they are infallible. Governments are said to act as judges, passing judgments, and punishments even for trivial offenses, while paradoxically committing the most significant offense themselves – the suppression of individual freedom. This short explanation captures the quote's argument against governments, highlighting the perceived irony of their actions and the suppression of personal liberty as their ultimate wrongdoing.

Topics