Activity Quote by Michael Joseph Oakeshott
“For most people, political activity is a secondary activity - that is to say, they have something else to do beside attending to these arrangements. But the activity is one which every member of the group who is not a child nor a lunatic has some part and some responsibility.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Rationalism in Politics, Michael Oakeshott, 1962
Political engagement is a duty for all competent adults, not a hobby for the few.
In simple terms: Adults must take part in politics.
Key Takeaway
Participate responsibly in civic life.
Themes
civic duty
responsibility
political engagement
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- community meetings
- public consultations
- advocacy groups
Key Concepts
democratic theory
citizen participation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we motivate busy adults to engage?
- What barriers prevent participation?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone has time or interest, limiting effective involvement.
![“The [Burmese] government appears to be more interested in stamping out political activity than drug addiction. Very few university students on the campus could get away with engaging in political activities, but they seem to be able to get away with taking drugs. We have heard that it is very easy…” quote by Aung San Suu Kyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/91a/aung-san-suu-kyi-922_able_the-burmese-government-appears-to-be-mor_1254714.jpg)
