Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Goldman argues that the state demands extreme sacrifices from individuals similar to how religions demand offerings.
In plain terms
The government takes too much from people just like a religious ritual might.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of systems that demand your total devotion.

Where it applies

  • political activism
  • government critique

Putting it to work

  • question state authority

Questions to consider

  • What does your government demand from you?
  • Is freedom worth any sacrifice?

Another view

It oversimplifies the complex relationship between citizens and the state.

More from Emma Goldman

  1. The powers know that the people at large are like children whose despair, sorrow, and tears can be turned into joy with a little toy. ... An army and navy repr…

    Permalink to quote #95
  2. The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty a…

    Permalink to quote #97
  3. The political arena leaves one no alternative, one must either be a dunce or a rogue.

    Permalink to quote #94

Related quotes

  1. This distinction between invasion and resistance, between government and defence, is vital. Without it there can be no valid philosophy of politics. Upon this …

    Benjamin TuckerBenjamin Tucker quote #16
  2. The advent of liberty is incompatible with the existence of States.

    Mikhail BakuninMikhail Bakunin quote #46
  3. Diejenige Regierung ist die beste, die sich uberflussing macht.

    Wilhelm von HumboldtWilhelm von Humboldt quote #1