Political Quotes

Harold J. Laski: It remains for them almost entirely a police institution which, once it aims at the realization of right, usurps a…

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It remains for them almost entirely a police institution which, once it aims at the realization of right, usurps a function far better performed by individuals.
Said by
Harold J. Laski

Editor's note · Context

This statement critiques the state's role in enforcing rights, suggesting it often oversteps its bounds.

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More from Harold J. Laski

How could it seek security where it defied the desires of the vast majority of its subjects?

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In a time of crisis, particularly, when the things we hold most dear are threatened, we shall find the desire to throw overboard the habits of tolerance, almost irresistible.

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The case for the view that freedom of thought and speech is a good in itself is fairly easy to make.

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Liberty means self-government, and self-government means the right of every man to be his own legislator.

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