Quote#Self
We hold that the one and only one true basis of society is the frank…
Quote byAuberon Herbert · 1838–1906
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Principles of Voluntaryism and Free Life.
English (original)
We hold that the one and only one true basis of society is the frank recognition of these rights of self-ownership; that is to say, of the rights of control and direction by the individual, as he himself chooses, over his own mind, his own body, and his own property, always provided, that he respects the same universal rights in others.
— Auberon Herbert
More from Auberon Herbert
If we cannot by reason, by influence, by example, by strenuous effort, and by personal sacrifice, mend the bad places of civilization, we certainly cannot do it by force
Who shall count up the evil brood that is born from power - the pitiful fear, the madness, the despair, the overpowering craving for revenge, the treachery, the unmeasured cruelty?
Of all the miserable, unprofitable, inglorious wars in the world is the war against words
Deny human rights, and however little you may wish to do so, you will find yourself abjectly kneeling at the feet of that old-world god, Force
When once you have plunged into the strife for power, it is the fear of those who are seeking for power over you that so easily persuades to all the great crimes.
How, then, can the rights of three men exceed the rights of two men? In what possible way can the rights of three men absorb the rights of two men, and make them as if they had never existed.