Of all tasks of government the most basic is to protect its citizens against violence.

John Foster Dulles’s quote emphasizes that the most fundamental task of any government is to protect its citizens from violence. He argues that safeguarding the lives and well-being of the people is the primary responsibility of the state, above all other duties. Without this essential protection, the social contract between the government and its people would break down, as security is the foundation upon which all other aspects of governance, such as law, order, and prosperity, are built.

Dulles, a prominent American diplomat and Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was deeply concerned with issues of national security during the Cold War. His focus on the protection of citizens reflects the geopolitical tensions of the time, where the threat of military conflict and violence from external forces, as well as internal disturbances, were ever-present. His belief in government’s primary role in ensuring peace and security was shaped by these international and domestic challenges.

The origin of the quote lies in Dulles's broader views on the responsibilities of government during a time of global uncertainty. He viewed the protection of citizens as not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that ensured the stability and legitimacy of any government. This task, according to Dulles, is the core function that justifies the existence of government itself—without it, other governmental functions would be irrelevant or ineffective.

In essence, Dulles’s quote serves as a reminder that the most basic and vital role of government is to maintain security and peace. Whether through law enforcement, military defense, or diplomatic efforts, a government must ensure the protection of its citizens from violence in order to maintain a stable and just society.