Quote by Mary McCarthy
Liberty, as it is conceived by current opinion, has nothing inherent about it it is a sort of gift or trust bestowed on the individual by the state pending good behavior.
Summary
This quote suggests that the commonly held perception of liberty is conditional and not inherent. According to current opinion, liberty is viewed as a privilege granted by the state, dependent on the individual's adherence to certain standards of behavior. In other words, this perspective portrays liberty as something that can be taken away if the individual fails to meet the expectations set by the state.