Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Democracy emerges when people assume equality in one area means equality in all areas, leading them to claim absolute equality.
- In plain terms
- Democracy starts when partial equality is seen as total equality.
- What can you take from it?
- Overgeneralizing equality can lead to democratic claims.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does freedom imply total equality?
Another view
It simplifies the complex origins of democratic systems.
More from Aristotle
Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.
Permalink to quote #87 Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.
Permalink to quote #89 Change in all things is sweet.
Permalink to quote #86
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