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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hayek warns that state monopoly employment eliminates meaningful opposition by threatening livelihoods.
In plain terms
When the state is the only employer, opposing it means starving.
What can you take from it?
State monopoly on jobs destroys political freedom.

Where it applies

  • totalitarian regimes
  • state economies
  • political dissent

Putting it to work

  • diversify employment
  • protect private sector

Questions to consider

  • How does employment affect freedom?
  • What protects dissent?

Another view

Some argue state employment ensures basic security.

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