Every device employed to bolster individual freedom must have as its chief purpose the impairment of the absoluteness of power. The indications are that such an impairment is brought about not by strengthening the individual and pitting him against the possessors of power, but by distributing and diversifying power and pitting one category or unit of power against the other. Where power is one, the defeated individual, however strong and resourceful, can have no refuge and no recourse.
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...democracy can be interpreted to assert not only equality before the law but also essentialistic identity in all respects. This read more
...democracy can be interpreted to assert not only equality before the law but also essentialistic identity in all respects. This is expressed in the claim, "All men are created equal," which is something very different from the statement, "All men have equal rights and are equal before the law." Anyone who believes in the genetic uniqueness of every individual thereby believes in the conclusion, "No two individuals are created equal.".
Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we've been ignorant of read more
Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we've been ignorant of their value.
The celebration of unbounded individualism means, beyond some point, the acceptance of force- either private (crime, riot, vigilanteism) or public read more
The celebration of unbounded individualism means, beyond some point, the acceptance of force- either private (crime, riot, vigilanteism) or public (authoritarianism).
Capitalism without bankruptcy is like Christianity without hell.
Capitalism without bankruptcy is like Christianity without hell.
When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.
When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.
To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.
To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.
He is free who knows how to keep in his own hand the power to decide, at each step, the read more
He is free who knows how to keep in his own hand the power to decide, at each step, the course of his life, and who lives in a society which does not block the exercise of that power.
The love of their country is with them only a mode of flattering its master; as soon as they think read more
The love of their country is with them only a mode of flattering its master; as soon as they think that master can no longer hear, they speak of everything with a frankness which is the more startling because those who listen to it become responsible.
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
