Therefore coercion of the non-invasive, when justifiable at all, is to be justified on the ground that it secures, not a minimum of invasion, but a minimum of pain.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Coercion of non-invasive people is only justified if it minimizes pain, not just invasion.
- In plain terms
- Forcing non-aggressive people is only right if it causes less pain overall.
- What can you take from it?
- Coercion is only right if it reduces total pain.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you measure pain?
- Is coercion ever harmless?
Another view
Some argue any coercion violates liberty regardless of pain.
More from Benjamin Tucker
The moment that justice must be paid for by the victim of injustice it becomes itself injustice.
Permalink to quote #43 To secure ourselves in this use, each contracts, or will ultimately contract, with his fellows not to encroach upon those portions of the earth which they are …
Permalink to quote #45 The cost of justice can be justly paid only by the invader.
Permalink to quote #42
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