For the only great men among the unfree and the oppressed are those who struggle to destroy the oppressor.
Walter RodneyRead
After all, if there is no class stratification in a society, it follows that there is no state, because the state arose as an instrument to be used by a particular class to control the rest of society in its own interests.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that a society without class divisions cannot have a state, as the state exists to manage class interests.
Walter Rodney emphasizes the relationship between class stratification and the existence of the state. He argues that the state is fundamentally an instrument wielded by a dominant class to exert control over the rest of society, and in the absence of such divisions, the need for a governing authority designated to enforce one class's interests vanishes. This insight invites readers to consider how power hierarchies shape societal structures and governance.
Themes
ClassSocietyStatePowerControl
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate about wealth inequality, a speaker can use this quote to argue against economic hierarchies.
More from Walter Rodney
All quotes →Revolution is the most dramatic appearance of a conscious people.
Walter RodneyRead
Similar quotes
That feelings of love and hate make rational judgments impossible in public affairs, as in private affairs, we can clearly enough see in others, though not so clearly in ourselves.
Herbert SpencerRead
I want to be black, to know black, to luxuriate in whatever I might be calling blackness at any particular time, but to do so in order to come out on the other side, to experience a humanity that is neither colorless nor reducible to color.
Henry Louis GatesRead
The hate directed against the colored people here in St. Louis has always given me a sad feeling... How can you expect the world to believe in you and respect your preaching of democracy when you yourself treat your colored brothers as you do?
Josephine BakerRead
This world... ever was, and is, and shall be, ever-living Fire, in measures being kindled and in measures going out.
HeraclitusRead
Police departments are always a reflection of the society that they serve. Is there such a thing as 'police culture?' Absolutely. Is that culture isolated form the surrounding society? Absolutely not.
Don WinslowRead
Evil being the root of mystery, pain is the root of knowledge.
Simone WeilRead