In denying this natural right of individuals, it denies their natural right to live on the earth; and asserts that they have no other right to life than the government, by its own mere will, pleasure, and discretion, may see fit to grant them.
This statement underscores Spooner's belief that government control limits individuals' rights to live freely.
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More from Lysander Spooner
Practically speaking, no government knows any limits to its power, except the endurance of the people.
It was a principle of the Common Law, as it is of the law of nature, and of common sense, that no man can be taxed without his personal consent.
Any restriction upon the exercise of this right is a restriction upon his rightful power of providing for, and accomplishing, his own well-being.
From the sale of that justice which every citizen has a right to demand, it was an easy transition to withhold or deny it.