Place three individuals in a situation wherein the…
“Place three individuals in a situation wherein the interest of each depends on the voice of the others, and give to two of them an interest opposed to the rights of the third. Will the latter be secure? The prudence of every man would shun the danger. The rules & forms of justice suppose & guard against it. Will two thousand in a like situation be less likely to encroach on the rights of one thousand?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When individuals’ interests depend on each other, opposing interests can threaten the minority’s rights; collective prudence and legal safeguards aim to prevent this.
In simple terms: Shared interests can endanger minority rights without safeguards.
Key Takeaway
Design institutions that protect minorities.
Themes
justice
politics
rights
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative voting
- corporate governance
- international treaties
Key Concepts
social contract
majority rule
minority protection
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms best protect minority rights?
- How can we ensure fairness in interdependent decisions?
A Different Perspective
Majority dominance can still occur despite rules.