"The more power a man has, the more he is exempted from the decencies of conduct, and the more he is likely to get away with anything."
This quote by Albert J. Nock suggests that as one gains more power or influence, they are increasingly less bound by social norms and expectations, making it easier for them to engage in questionable behavior without repercussions. Essentially, power can corrupt and enable individuals to escape accountability for their actions.
"Belief in a god may be an affliction of human nature, but disbelief is an indignity towards oneself."
This quote by Albert J. Nock suggests that while faith in a deity might be an inherent characteristic or 'affliction' of the human psyche, questioning or rejecting that belief (disbelief) can be seen as a form of self-degradation or disrespect. In other words, disregarding one's innate spiritual tendencies could be viewed as a denial or insult to one's own intellect and sensibilities. The quote implies that questioning or rejecting the existence of a higher power may not necessarily provide enlightenment but rather diminishes self-worth by ignoring an essential aspect of human nature.
"Everyone has his revelation and nobody else's. Each of us is pioneering and blazing new trails and making discoveries hitherto unknown."
This quote by Albert J. Nock emphasizes the uniqueness and individuality of each person's experiences and insights. It suggests that everyone has their own 'revelations', or unique perspectives, learnings, or discoveries, which are often exclusive to their personal journey. The idea is that we are all pioneers in our own way, exploring and uncovering new aspects of the world, knowledge, and ourselves. This underscores the importance of respecting individuality and understanding that everyone's path is unique and valuable.
"The State is that great fiction by which everybody tries to live at the expense of everybody else."
Albert J. Nock's quote suggests a critique of government, particularly the modern state system, as an artificial institution that encourages exploitation rather than mutual cooperation. He views the state as a construct where individuals seek to benefit at the expense of others, implying that it fosters an environment of competition and conflict instead of collaboration and harmony. This perspective can be seen as a call for societal reconsideration of how power and resources are distributed and managed, encouraging a more equitable and collaborative approach.
"The only way in which a human being can make some approach to knowing the whole of a subject is by beginning everywhere, continuing always, and never assuming that his knowledge is final."
Albert J. Nock's quote emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity in understanding complex subjects. The idea is that no one can truly grasp everything about any given topic from a single starting point or at any particular moment in time. Instead, we should continually expand our knowledge by approaching the subject from various angles, asking questions, seeking diverse perspectives, and remaining open to new insights as they emerge. This ongoing, curious pursuit of understanding is what enables us to come closer to fully comprehending complex subjects. In essence, Nock suggests that true knowledge is a journey without end.
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