QuoteProject
Equality and justice, the two great distinguishing characteristics of democracy, follow inevitably from the conception of men, all men, as rational and spiritual beings.
Robert M. Hutchins
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that equality and justice are fundamental to democracy, rooted in the belief that all individuals possess rational and spiritual qualities.

In this quote, Robert M. Hutchins articulates the intrinsic connection between the concepts of equality and justice within a democratic framework, highlighting that these principles are derived from viewing all individuals as inherently rational and spiritual beings. This perspective implies that a true democracy cannot exist without ensuring that all its members are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, recognizing their capacities for reason and moral judgment.

Themes

EqualityJusticeDemocracyRationalitySpirituality

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech advocating for democratic reforms.

More from Robert M. Hutchins

There is only one justification for universities, as distinguished from trade schools. They must be centers of criticism.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
Every act of every man is a moral act, to be tested by moral, and not by economic criteria.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
Education is a kind of continuing dialogue, and a dialogue assumes different points of view.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
A student can win twelve letters at a university without learning how to write one.
Robert M. HutchinsRead
A civilization in which there is not a continuous controversy about important issues is on the way to totalitarianism and death
Robert M. HutchinsRead
America's experiment with government of the people, by the people, and for the people depends not only on constitutional structure and organization but also on the commitment, person to person, that we make to each other.
Robert M. HutchinsRead

Similar quotes

Ah, Misha, he has a stormy spirit. His mind is in bondage. He is haunted by a great, unsolved doubt. He is one of those who don't want millions, but an answer to their questions.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
To believe only possibilities is not faith, but mere Philosophy.
Thomas BrowneRead
Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels without even paying their dues. That's why it seems so much like a dance these days. You have to master the very basics solidly, with your body, and then proceed to develop to the higher levels.... Now we see nothing but copying or imitation without any grasp of the real thing.
Gozo ShiodaRead
Youth loves honor and victory more than money.
AristotleRead
Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts.
Jean CocteauRead
Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?
Baron De MontesquieuRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.