"So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men."
"If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticize."
869 likes
Source: Voltairine de Cleyre (2012). “Exquisite Rebel: The Essays of Voltairine de Cleyre -- Anarchist, Feminist, Genius”, p.152, SUNY Press
About the author
Same author
More quotes by Voltaire
"It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong."
"The mirror is a worthless invention. The only way to truly see yourself is in the reflection of someone else's eyes."
"Give me the patience for the small things of life, courage for the great trials of life. Help me to do my best each day and then go to sleep knowing God is awake."
"Many are destined to reason wrongly; others, not to reason at all; and others, to persecute those who do reason."
"Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game."