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.
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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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Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned; yet we have not advanced one inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth.
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The essence of Buddhism is if you can, help others. If not, then at least refrain from hurting others.
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My good friend, you are a citizen of Athens, a city which is very great and very famous for its wisdom and power - are you not ashamed of caring so much for the making of money and for fame and prestige, when you neither think nor care about wisdom and truth and the improvement of your soul?
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I'm very proud to be black, but black is not all I am. That's my cultural historical background, my genetic make-up, but it's not all of who I am nor is it the basis from which I answer every question.
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I was forced to stretch my thinking, to realize that sincere and honest people could believe in very divergent religious doctrines.
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In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.
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