Freedom from Human Power

A Christian, by recognizing only God's law of love, achieves true freedom and cannot be compelled by any human authority to commit acts contrary to conscience, such as military service or violence.

The epigraph directly calls for not being servants of men, echoing the theme of liberation from human authority.

True liberation comes not from government-led disarmament but from each individual's refusal to serve in armies, breaking free from state authority.

The chapter argues that state power is unnecessary and harmful, and that true freedom comes from rejecting governmental violence.

Tolstoy argues that a Christian cannot recognize any human authority, as submission to government violates the divine law of love.