Clubs, fraternities, nations—these are the beloved…
““Clubs, fraternities, nations—these are the beloved barriers in the way of a workable world, these will have to surrender some of their rights and some of their ribs. A ‘fraternity’ is the antithesis of fraternity. The first (that is, the order or organization) is predicated on the idea of exclusion; the second (that is, the abstract thing) is based on a feeling of total equality. Anyone who remembers back to his fraternity days at college recalls the enthusiasts in his group, the rabid members, both young and old, who were obsessed with the mystical charm of membership in their particular order. They were usually men who were incapable of genuine brotherhood, or at least unaware of its implications. Fraternity begins when the exclusion formula is found to be distasteful. The effect of any organization of a social and brotherly nature is to strengthen rather than diminish the lines which divide people into classes; the effects of states and nations is the same, and eventually these lines will have to be softened, these powers will have to be generalized.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Exclusive groups create barriers; true fraternity requires equality and shared humanity, urging dissolution of divisive rights.
In simple terms: Equality beats exclusion.
Key Takeaway
Promote inclusive community.
Themes
society
equality
inclusion
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- college campuses
- political movements
- corporate cultures
- neighborhood associations
Key Concepts
social theory
group dynamics
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What barriers exist in your community?
- How can you foster genuine belonging?
A Different Perspective
Changing deep-rooted exclusivity is difficult.