Defence was an afterthought, prompted by necessity; and its introduction as a State function, though effected doubtless with a view to the strengthening of the State, was really and in principle the initiation of the State's destruction. Its growth in importance is but an evidence of the tendency of progress toward the abolition of the State.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Tucker suggests that defense was originally a necessity that the state co-opted, which ironically points toward the state's eventual destruction as progress continues.
- In plain terms
- State control of defense might actually lead to the end of the state.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize defense as a force that undermines state power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does protecting citizens weaken the state long term?
- Is defense a path to liberty or control?
Another view
It assumes progress naturally leads to state abolition without evidence.
More from Benjamin Tucker
This distinction between invasion and resistance, between government and defence, is vital. Without it there can be no valid philosophy of politics. Upon this …
Permalink to quote #16 Taking this view of the matter, the Anarchists contend that defence is not an essential of the State, but that aggression is.
Permalink to quote #18 Aggression is simply another name for government. Aggression, invasion, government, are interconvertible terms. The essence of government is control, or the at…
Permalink to quote #15
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