What is the state?
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Frederic Bastiat has brought forward the best definition so far toward my best knowledge
"The state is the great fictitious entity by which everyone seeks to live at the expense of everyone else."
http//www.econlib.org/library/Bastiat/BasEss5.html
A short but a briliant enlighteening essay into the nature of 'the coldest monster' as described once by Friedrich Nietzsche
A must read for a better understanding of the world we are livin in... -
Salaamun alaikum,
Your reading list has always been impressive, Zlatan. Keep up the good work.
In my study of al-quraan, a 'state' is best shown in the ayaat concerning Firaun. Firaun has placed various groups of his people as 'shia', broken them up as it were. Further, he has at his disposal sahireen-aliim, people who create useful illusions for society. The state also legislates at the whim of the whim (I am your Lord most High, says Firaun before God smites him).
The antithesis of this is the concept of the umma (in my reading, I have never encountered the Firaunic system as being called an 'umma'). An umma, which I take to be rooted in the 'umm'/mother definition is what I consider to be 'participatory government'. Everyone can be everything to everyone else. You don't need to go to 'teacher training college' to teach young people sort of mentality. An umma of mankind is what I believe the end goal is but its fated not to last long (2/213).
Good stimulus there, Zlatan. Thank you.
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A brilliant read.
Peace