Corporations are may lesser commonwealths in the bowels of a greater, like worms in the entrails of a natural man.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that corporations, while significant, are ultimately subservient to the larger interests of society, much like worms in a personβs body.
Thomas Hobbes uses this metaphor to illustrate the relationship between corporations and society. He implies that corporations may have their own power and influence, yet they are still part of a larger social structure and exist for the benefit of the greater public. The imagery of worms in the entrails emphasizes a certain parasitic nature that could suggest exploitation or dependency, indicating that while corporations may thrive, they do so within the bounds established by the natural person or society as a whole.
In practice
In a speech about corporate responsibility, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of prioritizing societal welfare.
Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.
For it is not the shape, but their use, that makes them angels.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as - it is as if he has killed all mankind.
I think we have a duty to maintain the light of consciousness to make sure it continues into the future.
Human security recognizes the importance of individuals and that the key to ensuring growth in developing countries is to foster individual talent and abilities, build self-reliance, and put people in a position to make a broader contribution to society. Growth must be inclusive, and no one must be left behind.
In charity to all mankind, bearing no malice or ill will to any human being, and even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men, not knowing what they do.
What a magical thing is the bed, and what a vulnerable, innocent creature is the sleeping human - the human who never looks more truthful or pitiful or benign; the curled-up, childlike dreaming soul who has for a few hours become an angel adrift.
Why?' is always the most difficult question to answer. You know where you are when someone asks you 'What's the time?' or 'When was the battle of 1066?' or 'How do these seatbelts work that go tight when you slam the brakes on, Daddy?' The answers are easy and are, respectively, 'Seven-thirty in the evening,' 'Ten-fifteen in the morning,' and 'Don't ask stupid questions.
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