Statists take a dim view of humanity, likely due to the fact that they don't see people as children of God. Therefore they feel that people must be ruled, and legislated into "good behavior", and punished when they resist the control exerted by a State over their lives and fortunes.
Since the Statist does not acknowledge God as the grantor of natural rights, or the Creator of Man, the perceived vacuum of power must be filled- by the Statist, of course. The Statist perceives that he is better educated, more intelligent, more perceptive, less "superstitious" and better qualified overall to lead the God-fearing savages into Progress. He will force them if necessary. And somehow it is always "necessary" for "the greater good" or "for the children".
