When we walk the streets at night in safety, it does not strike us that this might be otherwise. This habit of feeling safe has become second nature, and we do not reflect on just how this is due solely to the working of special institutions. Commonplace thinking often has the impression that force holds the state together, but in fact its only bond is the fundamental sense of order which everybody possesses.

Summary

This quote highlights the tendency of individuals to take their safety for granted and not realize the role institutions play in ensuring it. People often assume that force is what maintains order in society, but in reality, it is the innate sense of order that exists within each person that keeps the state intact. The quote serves as a reminder to appreciate the functioning of institutions that uphold safety and order, as well as the importance of recognizing the shared responsibility of individuals in maintaining a harmonious society.

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