“In precisely the same way the specialty of government is not to obey, but to enforce obedience. And a government is only a government so long as it can make itself obeyed, and therefore it always strives for that and will never willingly abandon its power.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Leo Tolstoy

Russian novelist and philosopher of the 19th century, Tolstoy is best known for his monumental works *War and Peace* and *Anna Karenina*, which explore moral and social questions with psychological depth. His later years were devoted to ethical and religious writings, advocating for nonviolence and a return to simple living.

More from Leo Tolstoy (316 quotes) →
"In precisely the same way the specialty of government is not to obey,…" — Leo Tolstoy | Daily Quotes