Freedom and Virtue

Men cannot be forced to be free, nor can they even be forced to be virtuous. To a certain extent, it is true, they can be forced to act as though they were virtuous. But virtue is the fruit of well-used freedom. And no act to the degree that it is coerced can partake of virtue — or of vice. (Frank S. Meyer, In Defense of Freedom, Chicago 1962, p. 66).

If I am forced by the state to assist the poor, my actions have very little moral value.