“The apology, that is constantly put forth for the injustice of government, viz., that a man must consent to give up some of his rights, in order to have his other rights protected - involves a palpable absurdity, both legally and politically.”

American abolitionist, lawyer, and political philosopher

Lysander Spooner was an American abolitionist, entrepreneur, lawyer, essayist, legal theorist, pamphleteer, political philosopher, and writer. He is often associated with the Boston anarchist tradition. Spooner wrote on natural rights and law, and his work placed him among the notable American radical thinkers of the 19th century. He is remembered for his arguments against slavery and for writing in forms that were meant to reach a broad political audience, including essays and pamphlets.