Meaning: This quote by Jeane Kirkpatrick, a prominent American diplomat and political scientist, touches upon the issue of totalitarian regimes and their encroachment on individual and societal freedoms. Kirkpatrick, who served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations during the 1980s, was known for her strong stance against authoritarian regimes and her advocacy for the promotion of democracy and human rights.

In this quote, Kirkpatrick highlights the fundamental conflict between totalitarian regimes and the concept of individual autonomy. She emphasizes how these regimes seek to assert control over every aspect of a person's life and the society as a whole. This assertion of jurisdiction over the "whole person" reflects the pervasive and intrusive nature of totalitarian rule, where personal freedoms, thoughts, and actions are subjected to the authority of the state. Additionally, the claim of jurisdiction over the "whole society" underscores the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of totalitarian control, which extends beyond the individual to encompass the collective body of citizens.

The reference to the biblical verse "give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's" serves to underscore the contrast between totalitarian regimes and the principles of religious and individual freedom. The verse, found in the New Testament of the Bible, is often interpreted as advocating for a separation of church and state, as well as the idea of respecting both secular and religious authority. Kirkpatrick's invocation of this biblical passage suggests that totalitarian regimes do not adhere to this principle; instead, they seek to dominate and subjugate both the individual and the religious sphere, denying people the ability to freely exercise their faith and conscience.

Totalitarian regimes historically have sought to eradicate religious and individual freedoms, viewing them as potential threats to their authority. Through strict ideological control, censorship, and surveillance, these regimes aim to mold individuals into compliant subjects who are entirely subservient to the state. The suppression of religious practice and the imposition of state-sanctioned ideology are common tactics employed by such regimes to solidify their power and eliminate dissent.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the broader implications of totalitarian rule on society as a whole. By asserting jurisdiction over the "whole society," these regimes seek to impose a singular, all-encompassing worldview, effectively erasing diversity of thought, belief, and expression. This not only infringes upon the rights and freedoms of individuals but also stifles the vibrancy and dynamism of society, inhibiting progress, creativity, and innovation.

Kirkpatrick's poignant words serve as a reminder of the enduring struggle against totalitarianism and the preservation of individual liberties. Her advocacy for the delineation of authority between the state and the individual, as well as the recognition of religious freedom, underscores the importance of protecting these fundamental rights in the face of oppressive regimes. In contemporary contexts, the quote resonates with ongoing challenges related to authoritarianism, censorship, and the erosion of civil liberties, serving as a call to action to defend the principles of democracy, human rights, and individual autonomy.

In conclusion, Jeane Kirkpatrick's quote encapsulates the profound implications of totalitarian regimes' overreach and the enduring importance of safeguarding individual and societal freedoms. By invoking the biblical reference of rendering unto Caesar and unto God, Kirkpatrick underscores the stark contrast between totalitarian control and the principles of autonomy and religious freedom. Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberty and the imperative of resisting encroachments on individual and collective rights.