Smith did not see that in the processes of politics what gets accepted is not the will that is at every moment a part of the state-purpose, but the will of those who in fact operate the machinery of government.
Laski critiques Smith's understanding of political processes, emphasizing the influence of those in power.
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Where mistakes are made, where there is corruption, or dishonesty, or abuse, it can be brought home forthwith to its authors.
How could it seek security where it defied the desires of the vast majority of its subjects?
The more equality there is in a State, the more use, in general, we can make of our freedom.
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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