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The Anarchists believe in the State; only they insist that the greater part, if not all, of the necessity for its existence is the result of an artificial limitation of the freedom of civil society, and that the completion of industrial freedom may one day so harmonize individuals that it will no longer be necessary to provide a guarantee of political freedom.

Benjamin Tucker#29

FreedomStateReformIndustry

About this quote

What does it mean?
The need for a state arises from artificial limits on civil freedom; removing them might eliminate the need for political guarantees.
In plain terms
If people are truly free economically, government might become unnecessary.
What can you take from it?
Removing artificial restrictions could make state control obsolete.

Where it applies

  • political philosophy
  • economic theory
  • reform

Putting it to work

  • dismantling state functions
  • industrial reform

Questions to consider

  • Can order exist without government?
  • Is industrial freedom enough?

Another view

It assumes all individuals will naturally harmonize without coercion.

More from Benjamin Tucker

  1. The Anarchists believe in civil society; only they insist that the freedom of civil society shall be complete instead of partial.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. The Anarchists most certainly believe in the Church; only they insist that all its work shall be purely voluntary, and that its discoveries and achievements, h…

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. The Anarchists believe in the family; they only insist that free competition and experiment shall always be allowed in order that it may be determined what for…

    Permalink to quote #27

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