Old forms of government finally grow so oppressive, that they must be thrown off even at the risk of reigns of terror

Old forms of government finally grow so oppressive, that they must be thrown off even at the risk of reigns of terror

Herbert Spencer, a prominent 19th-century philosopher and social theorist, was a staunch advocate for individual liberty and limited government intervention in society. He believed that old forms of government could become oppressive over time, stifling the freedom and progress of the people they were meant to serve. In his view, when a government becomes too oppressive, it is the duty of the people to throw off that government, even if it means risking a period of upheaval and instability.

Spencer's ideas on government and society were heavily influenced by his belief in the principles of natural law and evolution. He argued that just as species evolve and adapt to their environments, so too should societies and governments evolve to meet the changing needs and desires of their citizens. When a government becomes oppressive and fails to serve the interests of the people, it is no longer fulfilling its natural function and must be replaced.

Spencer was a strong critic of authoritarianism and centralized power, believing that such forms of government inevitably lead to tyranny and the suppression of individual rights. He saw the French Revolution as a prime example of what can happen when a government becomes too oppressive and the people are forced to take drastic action to overthrow it. While he acknowledged the risks and dangers of such upheaval, he believed that the alternative of living under a repressive regime was far worse.