The very existence of society depends on the fact that…
“The very existence of society depends on the fact that every member of it tacitly admits he is not the exclusive possessor of himself, and that he admits the claim of the polity of which he forms a part, to act, to some extent, as his master.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society works because individuals accept that they do not own themselves completely and must obey communal rules to some degree.
In simple terms: People must share authority for society to function.
Key Takeaway
Accept shared authority.
Themes
society
authority
individualism
collectivism
social contract
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government formation
- community living
- legal systems
- public policy
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social contract theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How much personal freedom should be surrendered for social order?
- When does communal authority become oppression?
A Different Perspective
Some argue personal liberty should outweigh communal demands.