“Freedom means freedom from forces and circumstances which would turn man into a thing, which would impose on man the passivity and predictability of matter. By this test, absolute power is the manifestation most inimical to human uniqueness. Absolute power wants to turn people into malleable clay.”

Absolutely, we hold this truth to be self evident ! ! ! The totalitarian malefactors of the current occupying statist theocracy infesting this land is/are a prime example of illuminating the accuracy of the quote. The exhibition of absolute power molds the malleable clay (chattel/patrons) into helots, serfs and slaves that genuflect in obedience to compelled compliance, government licenses, victimless crimes, larceny with impunity (2nd plank of the communist manifesto, Social Security, police State confiscations, etc.), alienation of nature's endowed rights along with any numerous ways of enforcing inhumane mastery over clay puppets.

I like "freedom from forces and circumstances which would turn man into a thing, which would impose on man the passivity and predictability of matter." To turn man into domesticated animals, passive and predictable, has been the goal of those with the power to do so since 'civilization' emerged. We are still born with claims upon our labors and territory. Liberation from the oppression of un-truth and those claiming lordship over us arises within each generation, but it either comes from within or cannot take hold. I do believe that self-reliance is built-in to our nature along with our natural socialization interests. Both independent and interdependent, adjusting to the times, humankind progresses holistically and in accordance with Nature's God. The controllers do not trust in Nature.

Eric Hoffer was a commentator, of sorts, on TV several years ago. He spoke with such clarity regarding the rights of people with the emphasis on the freedoms. He was a Longshoreman and a Communist. I think Communist in the purest sense, i.e., the sharing of wealth. Hoffer was a likeable personality and just a very interesting person.