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About this quote

What does it mean?
Freud argues that nations or states often commit violent acts that would be shameful if done by individuals.
In plain terms
Countries allow violence that individuals would be ashamed to commit.
What can you take from it?
States often act with impunity in ways individuals cannot.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • war
  • political accountability

Putting it to work

  • scrutinize state actions
  • compare individual vs collective ethics

Questions to consider

  • Why is state violence more accepted?
  • Does power excuse immorality?

Another view

Individuals within states also participate in or enable such acts.

More from Sigmund Freud

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