Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Anarchism arises from the idea that since most people cannot govern themselves well, they cannot govern others.
In plain terms
If people can't rule themselves, they shouldn't rule others.
What can you take from it?
Self-governance is a prerequisite for ruling others.

Where it applies

  • political theory
  • community organizing

Putting it to work

  • practice self-discipline
  • question hierarchy

Questions to consider

  • Can anyone truly rule?
  • What is wisdom?

Another view

Some structures are necessary for social order.

More from Edward Abbey

  1. Anarchism is not a romantic fable but the hardheaded realization, based on five thousand years of experience, that we cannot entrust the management of our live…

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. In a nation of sheep, one brave man forms a majority.

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.

    Permalink to quote #38

Related quotes

  1. Democracy is based on the assumption that a million men are wiser than one man. How's that again? I missed something. Autocracy is based on the assumption that…

    Robert A. HeinleinRobert A. Heinlein quote #75
  2. To be governed is to be watched over, inspected, spied on, directed, legislated at, regulated, docketed, indoctrinated, preached at, controlled, assessed, weig…

    P. J. ProudhonP. J. Proudhon quote #2
  3. The authorities are those who are clever, strong and smart, but if the process gets out of control of the commanders, it becomes something negative.

    Seyran OhanyanSeyran Ohanyan quote #2