Skip to content

This solidarity can grow only in inverse ratio to…

“This solidarity can grow only in inverse ratio to personality... Solidarity which comes from likenesses is at its maximum when the collective conscience completely envelops our whole conscience and coincides in all points with it... when this solidarity exercises its force, our personality…” quote by Emile Durkheim
Download Open image
“This solidarity can grow only in inverse ratio to personality... Solidarity which comes from likenesses is at its maximum when the collective conscience completely envelops our whole conscience and coincides in all points with it... when this solidarity exercises its force, our personality vanishes, as our definition permits us to say, for we are no longer ourselves, but the collective life.”

Emile Durkheim

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True solidarity emerges when individuals dissolve personal identity into the collective conscience.

In simple terms: Collective unity erases personal ego.

Key Takeaway

Embrace communal purpose over self‑interest.

Themes

solidarity collectivism identity

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • social movements
  • team projects
  • national identity
  • religious communities

Key Concepts

Social integration collective consciousness

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can a balance be struck between individuality and collective unity?
  • When does collective pressure become oppressive?
A Different Perspective

Loss of individuality may suppress personal creativity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Emile Durkheim

Explore all 87 Emile Durkheim quotes

More Collectives quotes

Browse all 1,039 Collectives quotes