--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: . .we would have to say that hereditary…" description: "\". .we would have to say that hereditary succession is harmful. You may say the king, having sovereign power, will not in that case hand over to his chi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31b/aristotle-78_achievement_we-would-have-to-say-that-hereditary-suc_1348301.png" --- # . .we would have to say that hereditary succession is… ![“. .we would have to say that hereditary succession is harmful. You may say the king, having sovereign power, will not in that case hand over to his children. But it is hard to believe that: it is a difficult achievement, which expects too much virtue of human nature.” quote by Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31b/aristotle-78_achievement_we-would-have-to-say-that-hereditary-suc_1348301.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31b/aristotle-78_achievement_we-would-have-to-say-that-hereditary-suc_1348301.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/31b/aristotle-78_achievement_we-would-have-to-say-that-hereditary-suc_1348301.png) > “. .we would have to say that hereditary succession is harmful. You may say the king, having sovereign power, will not in that case hand over to his children. But it is hard to believe that: it is a difficult achievement, which expects too much virtue of human nature.” [Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aristotle/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Aristotle argues that hereditary succession is problematic because it assumes virtue and competence that may not exist in heirs. **In simple terms:** Hereditary succession is flawed due to unrealistic expectations of virtue. Key Takeaway Question the merit of inherited power. Themes politics ethics leadership inheritance virtue Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - government reform - leadership selection - education of rulers - constitutional design Key Concepts monarchy meritocracy human nature political theory Questions to Reflect On - Is virtue inheritable? - What alternatives ensure capable leadership? 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