The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.

Liberties are rarely taken by force; they are handed over, and always for a reason that sounded good at the time. Safety, order, efficiency, an emergency that will pass: the exchange feels sensible now and looks strange only afterwards. That is what makes the pattern hard to see while it is happening. Nobody surrenders anything while believing that is what they are doing.

When asked to give something up for a good reason, ask what would have to happen for it to come back. If there is no answer, treat the trade as permanent and price it that way. Apply the same test to smaller surrenders in your own life.