And yet this government now rests wholly upon the assumption that some ten millions of male adults--men supposed to be compos mentis--have not only attempted to do, but have actually succeeded in doing, these absurd and impossible things.
This quote reflects Spooner's disbelief in the assumption that millions of men could surrender their rights and still be rational.
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More from Lysander Spooner
What else than ignorance of the law is it that excuses persons under the years of discretion, and men of imbecile minds?
When two men meet one upon the highway, or in the wilderness, have they a right to dispose of his life, liberty, or property at their pleasure, simply because they are the more numerous party?
All other laws, it is optional with each man to obey, or not, as he may choose.
The people considered their jurisprudence as a part of their inheritance.