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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote argues that trading liberty for social order is not worthwhile.
In plain terms
Giving up freedom for order isn’t a good deal.
What can you take from it?
Protect liberty even if it disrupts order.

Where it applies

  • in authoritarian regimes
  • during public emergencies

Putting it to work

  • defend civil liberties
  • question security trade‑offs

Questions to consider

  • When is limited liberty acceptable for safety?
  • How to balance freedom and order?

Another view

It may underestimate the need for some coordination.

More from Donatien de Sade

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  3. Sex is as important as eating or drinking and we ought to allow the one appetite to be satisfied with as little restraint or false modesty as the other.

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