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About this quote

What does it mean?
Liberty requires moral virtue, which requires oppressing those who reject that virtue.
In plain terms
Liberty needs virtue, virtue needs the slavery of others.
What can you take from it?
Recognize virtue often depends on oppression.

Where it applies

  • political theory
  • moral philosophy
  • social critique

Putting it to work

  • critique of morality
  • analysis of power
  • ethical reflection

Questions to consider

  • Can virtue exist without coercion?
  • Is liberty truly free if built on slavery?

Another view

It assumes virtue inherently requires force.

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