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About this quote

What does it mean?
Revolution happen when lower groups want equality and equal groups want superiority, driven by these conflicting mindsets.
In plain terms
Revolutions come from desires for equality or superiority.
What can you take from it?
Understand envy to prevent conflict.

Where it applies

  • social unrest
  • political analysis
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • address inequality
  • manage ambition
  • build fair systems

Questions to consider

  • What causes revolutions?
  • How to balance equality and hierarchy?

Another view

It simplifies complex political motives into desire.

More from Aristotle

  1. If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government…

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. Well begun is half done.

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. The law is reason unaffected by desire.

    Permalink to quote #25

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