Anarchist Quotes
Anarchist Quotes

Authors List
Authors List


William Godwin

William Godwin, Proponent of Philosophical Anarchism

William Godwin was born on 3rd March 1756 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England. He is known as a leading figure in the development of philosophical anarchism, an ideology that advocates a society without a central authority. Godwin was a prodigious writer and his most famous works include 'An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice' and the novel 'Things as They Are; or, The Adventures of Caleb Williams'.

Godwin's influential ideas significantly contributed to the anarchist movement. His writings had a profound influence during the French revolution and he primarily advocated for minimal state interference, individual freedom and utilitarianism. He believed in the innate goodness of human nature and insisted that any form of government, no matter how benevolent, would inevitably become a source of oppression. His works and ideologies continue to influence and shape discussions in political philosophy and anarchist theory.


Date of Birth: 3 March 1756

Date of Death: 7 April 1836

Country of Birth: United Kingdom

Political Ideas: Enlightenment, Utilitarianism

Quotes Available: 5



Quotes by William Godwin

Whenever government assumes to deliver us from the trouble of thinking for ourselves, the only consequences it produces are those of torpor and imbecility.
The true object of education is not to render the pupil the mere copy of his preceptor, it is rather to be rejoiced in, than lamented, that various reading should lead him into new trains of thinking.
If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.
The proper method for hastening the decay of error is not by brute force, or by regulation which is one of the classes of force, to endeavour to reduce men to intellectual uniformity; but on the contrary by teaching every man to think for himself.
Perfectibility is one of the most unequivocal characteristics of the human species.


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