Single Idea 20142

[catalogued under 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 Reference

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.