Starship Troopers - The Nature of Political Authority and Violence
Jean Rasczak: [to a student]
Let's sum up. This year, we explored the failure of democracy. How the social scientists brought our world to the brink of chaos. We talked about the veterans, how they took control and imposed the stability that has lasted for generations since. You know these facts. But have I taught you anything of value this year? Hm? You. Why are only citizens allowed to vote?
Student:
It's a reward. What the Federation gives you for doing federal service.
Rasczak:
No. No. Something given has no value. But when you vote, you are exercising political authority. You're using force. And force, my friends, is violence. The supreme authority from which all other authority is derived.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.