“Small groups or communities may be far more oppressive to the individual than larger ones. Men are in many ways freer in large cities than in small villages.”

I think that the term "oppressive" should be more clarified

Sometimes, sometimes not. As a stand alone quote, there are too many examples to prove it incorrect. In a broader context, the author's point may be better served.

Taken alone, there are way too many premises that would need to exist before this could receive any real validity. The point is obvious: the more people involved, the less chance there is of the majority being oppressive. Problem is, this is not always the case; a small majority can be just as oppressive as a large majority.

I agree with Mike from Norwalk.Sometimes.Sometimes not.By the way,I think this is a POOR example of a "Liberty Quote".I believe this quote is more fitting for Meaningless Quotes.com instead of Liberty Quotes.

"It isn't very pretty what a town with out pity can do," We seem to have been doing a study of the relationship of individual to group. Some think that America was built by individuals. I suggest that people seldom do things without relationship, consideration or at least awareness of others. In small groups or villages people may have the need to hang together closer for cooperation and having their needs met. In a large city services supporting the needs are more widely available maybe without much personal interaction. It has fascinated me how that individuals can prosper more in their individuality by leaving home and striking out on their own, thus becoming themselves.

It's not the number of people with which one lives that makes the difference, the degree of oppression grows with the size, scope, and power of government. Of course, if the form of oppression you live under calls itself democracy, then those two are one and the same. Cooperation with other individuals has obvious benefits, but only when one is still free to act as an individual and his cooperation is voluntary and without the initiation of force.

Ever deal with a home owner association? The up side is you can move out of a community easier than out of the country. Other counties are typically worse any way. The government makes victims out of groups while a small group will single out individuals. A group has much more power to defend itself. As an individual all you can do is leave to escape the little fascists that only seek those miniscule positions to wield power.

I have lived in giant cities, rural towns, remote islands, gated communities, and the 3rd world. Good points made by all above. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. There are more opportunities for work in a city and less privacy in small communities. A person can generally 'hide' in a city as long as one does not attract attention to oneself. Wherever I have lived, the best places have been where the neighbors were conscientious and respectful of each other. Little Hitler's in home owner associations are common. Wherever the community pushes its collective weight around to get people to obey is oppression -- particularly when the group ignores rights to privacy and private property in order to further the agenda of the 'committee.'

Never underestimate the power of small, loud, well organized groups. Like the Greens...the Republicans...the Democrats..and of course municipal councils and condo associations. Anytime a group gets together to organize "you", you're being oppressed.

An observation, which on reflection, is honest