Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
AristotleRead
Where some people are very wealthy and others have nothing, the result will be either extreme democracy or absolute oligarchy, or despotism will come from either of those excesses.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Wealth disparity leads to extremes in governance, either of which can lead to tyranny.
Aristotle suggests that in a society where there is a stark contrast between the wealthy and those in poverty, one of two outcomes will emerge: a form of extreme democracy where the poor may overpower the rich, or a shift towards oligarchy or despotism, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few. This quote reflects on the consequences of social and economic inequalities and how they can shape political structures.
Themes
WealthDemocracyOligarchyDespotismEqualityPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to discuss the implications of wealth inequality.
More from Aristotle
All quotes βThose who cannot bravely face danger are the slaves of their attackers.
AristotleRead
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
Truth, being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organized; nor should any organization be formed to lead or to coerce people along any particular path. If you first understand that, then you will see how impossible it is to organize a belief.
Jiddu KrishnamurtiRead
What gave you this idea of an imperfect god?' 'I don't know. It seems quite feasible to me. That is the only god I could imagine believing in, a god whose passion is not a redemption, who saves nothing, fulfills no purpose--a god who simply is.
Stanislaw LemRead
Something wonderful begins to happen with the simple realization that life, like an automobile, is driven from the inside out, not the other way around. As you focus more on becoming more peaceful with where you are, rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace right now, in the present. Then, as you move around, try new things, and meet new people, you carry that sense of inner peace with you. It's absolutely true that, "Wherever you go, there you are.
Richard CarlsonRead
It is my experience that the world itself has a role to play in our liberation. Its very pressures, pains, and risks can wake us up -release us from the bonds of ego and guide us home to our vast true nature.
Joanna MacyRead
There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in times of misery.
Dante AlighieriRead
Toleration is the best religion.
Victor HugoRead