Albert Jay NockAlbert Jay Nock, (1870-1945) American libertarian author, editor, educational theorist, Georgist, social critic

Albert Jay Nock Quote

“The State, both in its genesis and by its primary intention, is purely anti-social. It is not based on the idea of natural rights, but on the idea that the individual has no rights except those that the State may provisionally grant him. It has always made justice costly and difficult of access, and has invariably held itself above justice and common morality whenever it could advantage itself by so doing.”

Albert Jay NockAlbert Jay Nock
~ Albert Jay Nock


Ratings and Comments


jim k, Austin, Tx

How very true. Remember, the Bill of Rights was established to protect citizens from the government.

Cal, Lewisville, TX

Like the states granted the federal government very limited rights. In time the federal government has taken all power. If you grant a little, you may lose it all.

Mike, Norwalk

The occupying statist theocracy (anti-We The People) infesting this land is a prime example of this quote. The "purely anti-social" reference is a collective statement of the "purely anti-individual sovereign". By what lawful nexus (authority, right, etc.) can the sovereign's representative prevent access to his / her (the representative's sovereign masters) own monument, park, etc. ? The answer: NONE ! ! !

watchman 13, USA

Genesis of state control. Sell that you have and lay it at the states feet that they may distribute to the members of their state. Old world no doubt. Oppressive through their law.
New world brings light to natural law and doctrine of freedom and liberty, no doubt !

Mike, Norwalk

watchman 13, great biblical / socialism analogy

E Archer, NYC

As usual, Nock hits the nail on the head.

E Archer, NYC

It is interesting that the meaning of the word 'statism' is unknown to most people governed by statism.  Statism includes monarchy, dictatorship, socialism, communism, fascism  any form of government in which the people are considered to be subjects.  A republican form of government is inherently distributed, with the rights of the people paramount and inalienable.  A republican form of government is regulated by the people, not the other way around.  Learn the word statist, and the left-right paradigm is shattered.  Note that 'liberalism' was the term used for a republican form of government.  It's not right vs left, it is liberalism vs statism. 

E Archer, NYC
  • 1
  • Reply
E Archer, NYC E Archer, NYC 8/30/22

So-called 'democracy' is also statism in that the people must obey the dictates of the leaders, no matter how they acquired their power.  Only a republican form of government can protect the natural born rights of the People.  The enemy of Liberty is unchecked Power.

Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

I have to insist that the individuals of the state follow through with moral principles and not consider themselves above moral responsibility and support all social justice.

@

Get a Quote-a-Day!

Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box daily.