On the record
It is, therefore, a simple impertinence, and sheer impudence, on their part, to assume that their commands, as such, are of any authority whatever.
Said by
Lysander Spooner
Source
gutenberg.orgLysander Spooner: “It is, therefore, a simple impertinence, and sheer impudence, on their part, to assume that their commands, as such, are…”
Editor's note · Context
This quote expresses Spooner's belief that commands from authorities lack inherent authority if not grounded in justice.
Share
More from Lysander Spooner
For all these reasons, they are not only modest and sensible, but really frank, honest, and honorable villains, contrasted with these courts of injustice, and the lawmakers by whom these courts are established.
They do not carry their heads high, above all other men, and demand our reverence and admiration, as statesmen, patriots, and benefactors.
On the contrary, they acknowledge themselves robbers, murderers, and villains, pure and simple.
In short, they acknowledge themselves hostes humani generis: enemies of the human race.