Freedom only for the members of the government, only for the members of the Party - though they are quite numerous - is no freedom at all. Freedom is always the freedom of dissenters. The essence of political freedom depends not on the fanatics of 'justice', but rather on all the invigorating, beneficial, and detergent effects of dissenters. If 'freedom' becomes 'privilege', the workings of political freedom are broken.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Luxemburg asserts that political freedom is meaningless without the right to dissent, warning that freedom restricted to ruling parties is no freedom at all.
- In plain terms
- She says freedom is only real when dissenters can speak up against the government.
- What can you take from it?
- True political freedom requires protecting dissent and opposition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes freedom meaningful?
- How do we protect minority voices?
Another view
Unrestrained dissent can sometimes destabilize necessary governance structures.
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