Best man Quote by Aristotle
“There is also a doubt as to what is to be the supreme power in the state: - Is it the multitude? Or the wealthy? Or the good? Or the one best man? Or a tyrant?”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Politics, Book III, 4th century BC
The ultimate authority in a state is debated: is it the many, the rich, the virtuous, the most capable, or a ruler?
In simple terms: Who should hold power?
Key Takeaway
Question the basis of political authority.
Themes
politics
authority
governance
philosophy
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy making
- civil discourse
- revolution
Key Concepts
democracy
oligarchy
meritocracy
tyranny
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria best ensure just rule?
- How does concentration of power affect liberty?
A Different Perspective
Power structures can be unstable or oppressive.
![“All the power [the State] has is what society gives it, plus what it confiscates from time to time on one pretext or another; there is no other source from which State power can be drawn. Therefore every assumption of State power, whether by gift or seizure, leaves society with so much less power.” quote by Albert Jay Nock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a77/albert-jay-nock-45459_power_all-the-power-the-state-has-is-what-soci_2572716.jpg)
