Skip to content

Community Quote by John Dewey

“Such words as "society" and "community" are likely to be misleading, for they have a tendency to make us think there is a single thing corresponding to the single word.” quote by John Dewey
Download Open image
“Such words as "society" and "community" are likely to be misleading, for they have a tendency to make us think there is a single thing corresponding to the single word.”

John Dewey

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Concept of Social Organization", 1908

He warns that terms like “society” and “community” can oversimplify complex realities.

In simple terms: Words can mislead by suggesting single entities.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about collective terms.

Themes

philosophy language society

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • community planning
  • academic research

Key Concepts

semantics social theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden complexities do such words mask?
  • How can we talk about groups more accurately?
A Different Perspective

These labels may ignore diversity within groups.

5.0 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Dewey

Explore all 486 John Dewey quotes

More Community quotes

Browse all 13,840 Community quotes