At this point, an urgent question arises: [...] Is it our…
![“At this point, an urgent question arises: [...] Is it our duty to seek to become a thorough and complete human being, one quite sufficient unto himself; or, on the contrary, to be only a part of a whole, the organ of an organism? Briefly, is the division of labor, at the same time that it is a law…” quote by Emile Durkheim](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/487/emile-durkheim-7413_arise_at-this-point-an-urgent-question-arises_771653.jpg)
“At this point, an urgent question arises: [...] Is it our duty to seek to become a thorough and complete human being, one quite sufficient unto himself; or, on the contrary, to be only a part of a whole, the organ of an organism? Briefly, is the division of labor, at the same time that it is a law of nature, also a moral rule of human conduct; and, if it has this latter character, why and in what degree?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote questions whether individuals should strive for complete self‑sufficiency or accept being a part of a larger collective, and whether the natural law of division of labor also serves as a moral guideline.
In simple terms: Should we be self‑sufficient or part of a whole?
Key Takeaway
Balance personal growth with social responsibility.
Themes
individualism
collectivism
social order
ethics
division of labor
Mood
reflective
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- workplace teamwork
- community projects
- public policy design
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Sociology
moral philosophy
organic metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How does division of labor shape moral duties?
- Can societies thrive without individual autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Human nature may limit full self‑sufficiency, making interdependence essential.