Society can and does execute its own mandates: and if it issues wrong mandates instead of right, or any mandates at all in things with it ought not to meddle, it practices a social tyranny more formidable than many kinds of political oppression, since, though not usually upheld by such extreme penalties, it leaves fewer means of escape, penetrating much more deeply into the details of life, and enslaving the soul itself. John Stuart Mill
About This Quote

The quote, “Society can and does execute its own mandates: and if it issues wrong mandates instead of right, or any mandates at all in things with it ought not to meddle, it practices a social tyranny more formidable than many kinds of political oppression, since, though not usually upheld by such extreme penalties, it leaves fewer means of escape, penetrating much more deeply into the details of life, and enslaving the soul itself.” is a strong statement against social oppression. It says that society is more powerful than the government because the government cannot always enforce its mandates. You must obey them or face consequences. You can’t do anything about what society forces upon you.

We live in a world where many people believe they obey authorities because of fear. If they did not fear punishment they would disobey the authority. The quote also says that people are more enslaved than ever before because there are no alternatives to what society demands.

Source: On Liberty

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