Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
A democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth, no property, and vulgar employments.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Aristotle critiques democracy, suggesting it often allows those of lower social status to govern.
In this quote, Aristotle points out a fundamental criticism of democratic systems, emphasizing that power can fall into the hands of individuals who lack wealth and social standing. He suggests that such a governance structure may lead to decisions that are more aligned with populist sentiments rather than the informed judgment of the elite, hence raising concerns about the quality of leadership in a democracy.
Themes
DemocracyGovernanceAristotlePoliticsCritique
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on political systems, one might quote Aristotle to discuss the limitations of democracy.
More from Aristotle
All quotes βThose who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
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For often, when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream.
AristotleRead
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
AristotleRead
But if nothing but soul, or in soul mind, is qualified to count, it is impossible for there to be time unless there is soul, but only that of which time is an attribute, i.e. if change can exist without soul.
AristotleRead
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
AristotleRead
Similar quotes
A little flesh, a little breath, and a Reason to rule all - that is myself.
Marcus AureliusRead
Cities have always offered anonymity, variety, and conjunction, qualities best basked in by walking: one does not have to go into the bakery or the fortune-teller's, only to know that one might. A city always contains more than any inhabitant can know, and a great city always makes the unknown and the possible spurs to the imagination.
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One who not merely beholds the outward shows of things, but catches a glimpse of the soul that looks out of them, whose garment and revelation they are-if he be such, I say, he will stand, for more than a moment, speechless with something akin to that which made the morning stars sing together.
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A wide and vague impression exists that so-called Eastern religion is more contemplative, innocuous, and humane than the proselytizing monotheisms of the West. Don't believe a word of this: try asking the children of Indochina who were dumped by their parents for inherited deformities that were attributed to sins in a previous 'life.
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A man is never the same for long. He is continually changing. He seldom remains the same even for half an hour.
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We cannot confront solitude without moral resources.
Honore De BalzacRead