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Single Idea 20142

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / b. Natural authority ]

Full Idea

Some pack of blond beasts of prey, on a war footing, unscrupulously lays its dreadful paws on a populace which is shapeless. In this way the 'state' began on earth. I think I have dispensed with the fantasy which has it begin with a 'contract'.

Gist of Idea

The state begins with brutal conquest of a disorganised people, not with a 'contract'

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morals [1887], II.§17)

Book Ref

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'On the Genealogy of Morals/ Ecce Homo', ed/tr. Kaufmann,Walter [Vintage 1969], p.86

A Reaction

[compressed] It is certainly likely that a tribe which got itself well organised and focused on some end would achieve total dominance over other tribes that just focus on food.

The 3 ideas with the same theme [power derived from natural superiority or strength]:

19790 Force can only dominate if it is seen as a right, and obedience as a duty [Rousseau]
20142 The state begins with brutal conquest of a disorganised people, not with a 'contract' [Nietzsche]
19613 It is pointless to refuse or accept the social order; we must endure it like the weather [Cioran]