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.
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You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
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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.
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The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
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