Full Idea
A minimal state, limited to the narrow functions of protection against force, theft, fraud, enforcement of contracts, and so on, is justified; any more extensive state will violate persons' rights not to be forced to do certain things, and is unjustified.
Gist of Idea
A minimal state should protect, but a state forcing us to do more is unjustified
Source
Robert Nozick (Anarchy,State, and Utopia [1974], Pref)
Book Reference
Nozick,Robert: 'Anarchy,State, and Utopia' [Blackwell 1980], p.-8
A Reaction
This has some plausibility for a huge modern state, where we don't know one another, but it would be a ridiculous attitude in a traditional village.
Related Idea
Idea 22661 My Anarchy, State and Utopia neglected our formal social ties and concerns [Nozick on Nozick]