Tom G. Palmer Quote

“If an individual is born with the obligation to obey, who is born with the right to command?”

~ Tom G. Palmer

Myths of Individualism, Volume XVIII Number 5 Cato Policy Report p. 12 (September/October 1996).

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

No one! Only parents can mature into that right. The social contract set forth by Locke, Jefferson, etc. was recognized as a moral issue and outside law's administration of life, liberty, and property. Law enforcement is an oxymoron. Can one enforce gravity, physics, fiscal law, etc. ? The answer is NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT ! Tyranny and despotism can be enforced and justice can be restored or doled out so, man can not lawfully obligate obedience !

J Carlton, Calgary

No One! is exactly the right answer Mike.

j, Austin, Tx

I'm with Mike and J on this one.

Jamie, St. Louis

I'm an elitist. Some folks--well-educated, well-tead, thoughtful--DO have the right to guide and direct. (Command may be too strong, but some temporary power is a good thing.

E Archer, NYC

Each must judge for himself what he must obey or lend his efforts to. Without a choice, there is no honor or morality -- it is a forced 'good will' and the source of webs of lies and hypocrisy.

Ronw13, Oregon

Leaders are born not made, just like musicians. It is a gift bore out through experience. Man is not born with the obligation to obey. The statement bears a bit of secular leaning. Cyrus the great comes to mind. And he attributed his success to the Grace of God. Though his word for God was in another language. Mithra. One does not herd chickens, they follow that they trust. Commonsense 101. "Those who compare themselves among themselves are not wise." Thinking themselves to be wise they become fools." Liberty is a mystery within itself, and we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the foundation of the world unto our glory. Short sighted are those who only see from the foundation of the world. Science bears this Fact out Now. The bed is shorter than can be laid in. Jamie, St. Louis, some tyrants can sway sentiment, but are never respected or loved. Leadership is not a right, But must be earned !

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