"Freedom of conscience entails more dangers than authority and despotism"
- Michel Foucault
About this Quote
This quote by Michel Foucault recommends that freedom of conscience, or the liberty to think and act according to one's own beliefs, can be more unsafe than living under an authoritarian regime. Foucault is recommending that when individuals are offered the liberty to think and serve as they please, it can result in turmoil and disorder. This is because without a governing authority to provide structure and order, people may be most likely to act in manner ins which are not beneficial to society. Additionally, without a governing authority to provide guidance and direction, individuals might be most likely to make choices that are not in their best interest. In conclusion, Foucault is recommending that flexibility of conscience can be more harmful than living under an authoritarian program due to the fact that it can lead to turmoil and disorder, and people may be most likely to make choices that are not in their benefit.
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