Beneficial Quote by Aristotle
“And what has come to prevail in democracies is the very reverse of beneficial, in those, that is, which are regarded as the most democratically run. The reason for this lies in the failure properly to define liberty. For there are two marks by which democracy is thought to be defined: "sovereignty of the majority" and "liberty." "Just" is equated with what is equal, and the decision of the majority as to what is equal is regarded as sovereign; and liberty is seen in terms of doing what one wants.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Politics, 350 BC
Critiques democracy when liberty is misdefined as unchecked majority rule, leading to oppression.
In simple terms: Misdefined liberty harms democracy.
Key Takeaway
Guard against majority tyranny.
Themes
politics
philosophy
freedom
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- constitutional design
- civil rights movements
- policy debates
- public discourse
Key Concepts
democratic theory
liberty
majority rule
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies define liberty without enabling tyranny?
- What safeguards protect against majority oppression?
A Different Perspective
Balancing majority rule with minority rights is complex.
![“I am a democrat [proponent of democracy] because I believe in the Fall of Man. I think most people are democrats for the opposite reason. A great deal of democratic enthusiasm descends from the ideas of people like Rousseau, who believed in democracy because they thought mankind so wise and good…” quote by C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/655/c-s-lewis-121_cs-lewis_i-am-a-democrat-proponent-of-democracy-b_140004.jpg)
