The State is the altar of political freedom and, like the religious altar, it is maintained for the purpose of human sacrifice.

In this provocative quote, Emma Goldman draws a comparison between the State and a religious altar, suggesting that both institutions are places where individuals are sacrificed for a greater purpose. Goldman argues that the State serves as the foundation or altar of political freedom, but that this freedom often comes at the cost of personal sacrifice. Just as religious altars historically required sacrifices, the State demands the sacrifices of individuals, often in the form of lives lost in wars or the suppression of personal liberties for the collective good.

Goldman’s use of the phrase "human sacrifice" is a critique of how political power can exploit individuals for the sake of maintaining the state's authority and control. In her view, people’s freedoms and lives are often sacrificed in the name of preserving the state's power and the illusion of freedom it offers. This idea reflects Goldman’s anarchist philosophy, which rejected centralized government and state power, advocating instead for individual autonomy and voluntary cooperation among people.

The reference to political freedom in the quote underscores Goldman’s belief that what is often presented as political freedom under the State is actually a construct that relies on the subjugation or sacrifice of individuals. In her anarchist framework, true freedom can only be achieved when individuals are no longer controlled or coerced by the State, and when society is organized on a more equal and cooperative basis.

Ultimately, this quote is a critical reflection on the inherent contradictions within state power and its impact on individual liberty. Goldman uses the imagery of a sacrifice to challenge the notion of political freedom, urging people to reconsider whether the State truly serves their best interests or if it demands too much in exchange for the freedoms it claims to provide.