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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society follows the same principle as individuals: a collective will directs public life just as personal will directs private life.
In plain terms
The group's will governs society like personal will governs a person.
What can you take from it?
Collective decisions shape societal direction.

Where it applies

  • governance
  • community planning

Putting it to work

  • encourage civic participation
  • align policies with public will

Questions to consider

  • How do we ensure the collective will reflects true consensus?
  • What safeguards prevent tyranny of the majority?

Another view

The collective will can be fragmented or manipulated.

More from Maximilien Robespierre

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  3. When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is slavery.

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