Meaning: This quote by Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist and political activist, encapsulates her strong critique of the state and its role in perpetuating systems of oppression. Goldman was known for her fervent advocacy of individual freedom and her opposition to state authority, which she believed often led to the sacrifice of individual liberties for the sake of maintaining the power and interests of the state.

In this quote, Goldman draws a parallel between the state and the religious altar, both of which she sees as serving as platforms for sacrifice. The comparison to the religious altar is particularly significant, as it highlights the sacrificial nature of the state's actions and policies. Just as the religious altar historically served as a site for offerings and sacrifices in the name of appeasing higher powers or maintaining societal order, Goldman suggests that the state similarly demands sacrifices for the sake of political freedom.

Goldman's use of the term "political freedom" in the quote is notable, as it reflects her belief that the state often claims to uphold and protect freedom while simultaneously engaging in practices that compromise individual liberty. By likening the state to an altar of political freedom, she implies that the sacrifices demanded by the state are made in the name of preserving a certain notion of freedom that is inherently flawed and oppressive.

The notion of human sacrifice in the context of the state can be interpreted in various ways. On one level, it can be seen as a metaphor for the sacrifices individuals are compelled to make in service of the state, whether through military service, obedience to laws and regulations, or the relinquishment of personal autonomy in the face of state authority. Goldman's use of the term "human sacrifice" serves to underscore the profound and often detrimental impact that state power can have on individuals, who may be coerced or compelled to sacrifice their own well-being and autonomy for the sake of the state's interests.

Furthermore, the comparison to the religious altar also suggests a critique of the ideological and symbolic power of the state, which, much like the religious altar, can serve as a focal point for the perpetuation of certain beliefs and practices that may not necessarily align with the best interests of individuals. In this sense, Goldman's quote can be interpreted as a condemnation of the ways in which the state's authority and influence can lead to the sacrifice of individual agency and freedom in service of larger political agendas.

Overall, Emma Goldman's quote serves as a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of the state and its impact on individual freedom. By drawing parallels between the state and the religious altar, she highlights the sacrificial dynamics at play within political systems, shedding light on the ways in which state power can demand sacrifices from individuals in the name of political freedom and societal order. Her words continue to resonate as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked state authority and the sacrifices it can demand from those under its influence.