Action Quote by Aristotle
“So we must lay it down that the association which is a state exists not for the purpose of living together but for the sake of noble actions. Those who contribute most to this kind of association are for that very reason entitled to a larger share in the state than those who, though they may be equal or even superior in free birth and in family, are inferior in the virtue that belongs to a citizen. Similarly they are entitled to a larger share than those who are superior in riches but inferior in virtue.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Politics, Book III, 350 BC
Citizenship is justified by virtue, not birth or wealth; the virtuous deserve more political share.
In simple terms: Virtue, not birth or wealth, determines political rights.
Key Takeaway
Promote virtue for fair governance.
Themes
politics
justice
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government reform
- civic education
- leadership selection
Key Concepts
meritocracy
citizenship
equality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies assess virtue?
- What safeguards prevent merit abuse?
A Different Perspective
Virtue is hard to measure objectively.
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