Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
Edward AbbeyRead
When guns are outlawed, only the Government will have guns. The Government - and a few outlaws. If that happens, you can count me among the outlaws.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the idea that restricting firearms may lead to a scenario where only the government and criminals bear arms, challenging the concept of personal freedom and self-defense.
Edward Abbey's quote highlights the potential dangers of strict gun control laws, suggesting that when legitimate citizens are deprived of the right to bear arms, it creates an environment where only the government and those who disregard the law will possess firearms. This situation raises concerns about personal safety, freedom, and the balance of power between the state and individuals. Abbey’s words reflect a deep-seated belief in personal rights and the responsibilities that come with them, positioning him among those who resist government overreach.
Themes
GunsGovernmentFreedomOutlawsControlRights
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about gun control legislation, this quote could illustrate the perspective of those who believe in personal freedom.
More from Edward Abbey
All quotes →I love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
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If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
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The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
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I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
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Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead
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