Another force to straighten the warped wood is political…
![“Another force to straighten the warped wood is political. Man is “an animal that, if he lives among other members of his species, has need of a master.” And that is because “his selfish animal propensities induce him to except himself from [moral rules] wherever he can.” Kant then introduced his…” quote by Stephen R.C. Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/552/stephen-r-c-hicks-12692_political-man_another-force-to-straighten-the-warped-w_2941719.jpg)
““Another force to straighten the warped wood is political. Man is “an animal that, if he lives among other members of his species, has need of a master.” And that is because “his selfish animal propensities induce him to except himself from [moral rules] wherever he can.” Kant then introduced his version of Rousseau’s general will. Politically, man “thus requires a master who will break his self-will and force him to obey a universally valid will.”[167]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Political structures are needed to curb innate selfishness and enforce universal moral rules.
In simple terms: Politics restrains selfish nature.
Key Takeaway
Support fair governance to limit self‑interest.
Themes
politics
human nature
morality
authority
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- education
- community standards
- legal systems
Key Concepts
social contract
selfishness
rule of law
collective will
Questions to Reflect On
- Can moral education replace political control?
- What are alternatives to master‑slave dynamics?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all individuals are equally selfish.