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About this quote

What does it mean?
A government that provides all desires inevitably gains the power to confiscate all possessions.
In plain terms
Too much government control can lead to loss of freedom and property.
What can you take from it?
Limit government power to protect individual liberty.

Where it applies

  • policy debates
  • constitutional discussions
  • taxation

Putting it to work

  • advocate limited government
  • protect property rights
  • balance services and liberty

Questions to consider

  • Where should government power end?
  • Is security worth more control?

Another view

It oversimplifies the role of government in providing public goods.

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