Man is the only creature disposed to kill huge numbers of members of his own species, and his instrument is usually the state.
Joseph SobranRead
There has never been a humane communist regime. Marxism is inherently totalitarian. It recognizes no moral limits on the state. It’s the most convenient ideology for aspiring tyrants; it also retains its appeal for intellectuals, who have proved equally skillful at rationalizing abuses of power and at exculpating themselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques Marxism as a totalitarian ideology that enables tyranny, reflecting on its moral implications.
Joseph Sobran's quote expresses the belief that Marxism, by its very nature, allows for totalitarianism and lacks moral constraints on authority. He suggests that this ideology is attractive not only to those seeking power but also to intellectuals who can justify and excuse the oppressive actions of such regimes, revealing a deep skepticism about the compatibility of Marxism with humane governance.
Themes
MarxismTotalitarianismTyrannyPowerIntellectuals
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on political ideologies, one might quote Sobran to emphasize the dangers of unfettered governmental power.
More from Joseph Sobran
All quotes →The prospect of a government that treats all its citizens as criminal suspects is more terrifying than any terrorist. And even more frightening is a citizenry that can accept the surrender of its freedoms as the price of "freedom".
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