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Quote by Olavo de Carvalho

“Neoliberal ideology, so accurate in discerning the factors that hinder or promote economic development, is mistaken in suggesting that the “downsizing” of the state—its withdrawal from “inappropriate” activities—is automatically and obviously associated with a promise of greater freedom for citizens. For it is not only through the exercise of inappropriate and incidental activities that the state oppresses people, but also — and above all — through those that are most essential and proper to it: taxation, policing, justice, and public education. And these, rather than retreating in the new neoliberal framework, tend instead to grow disproportionately. There are two reasons for this: first, it was precisely in order to expand them that the state withdrew from the economy; second, as it unloads its economic burden, the state seeks new roles for itself that justify its existence, and ends up meddling in all sectors of human life previously left to private discretion.”

Quote by Olavo de Carvalho

Work

O Jardim das Aflições

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Author

Olavo de Carvalho
Olavo de Carvalho

Olavo de Carvalho is a Brazilian philosopher born on April 29, 1947. His thoughts are deeply influenced by existentialism and conservatism, focusing mainly on political philosophy, cultural criticism, and religious philosophy. more

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