The State is a gang of thieves writ large - the most immoral, grasping and unscrupulous individuals in any society

The State is a gang of thieves writ large - the most immoral, grasping and unscrupulous individuals in any society

Murray Rothbard, a prominent figure in the libertarian movement, was known for his strong criticism of the state and its role in society. One of his most famous quotes, "The State is a gang of thieves writ large - the most immoral, grasping and unscrupulous individuals in any society," encapsulates his belief that the state is inherently corrupt and oppressive.

Rothbard argued that the state, as an institution, is fundamentally illegitimate because it relies on coercion and violence to maintain its power. He believed that the state's monopoly on force allows it to extract resources from individuals through taxation, regulation, and other means, effectively acting as a gang of thieves on a massive scale.