'They are casting their problems at society. And, you know, there's no such thing as society. There are individual men and women and there are families. And no government can do anything except through people, and people must look after themselves first. It is our duty to look after ourselves and then, also, to look after our neighbours.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thatcher argues that society is not an entity but a collection of individuals who must care for themselves and neighbors.
- In plain terms
- There is no society as a whole just individuals and families who must look after themselves first.
- What can you take from it?
- Individual responsibility is the foundation of community welfare.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the role of government in helping people?
- How do individuals balance self and community?
Another view
This view underestimates how systemic issues require collective action beyond individual effort.
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