Family Quote by John Selden
“A king is a thing men have made for their own sakes, for quietness sake. Just as in a family one man is appointed to buy the meat.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Tractatus Politicus, 1640
Power structures are created by people to maintain order and personal comfort, similar to assigning a role within a family.
In simple terms: People design authority for stability and personal benefit.
Key Takeaway
Question the purpose and design of authority.
Themes
politics
authority
social order
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government
- family dynamics
- organizational hierarchy
Key Concepts
social contract
role assignment
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from existing power structures?
- How can authority be made more accountable?
A Different Perspective
Authority can become oppressive if unchecked.
