That however the brains and abilities of men may differ, their stomachs are essentially the same.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead
While all societies make their own imaginaries (institutions, laws, traditions, beliefs and behaviors), autonomous societies are those that their members are aware of this fact, and explicitly self-institute (αυτο-νομούνται). In contrast, the members of heteronomous societies attribute their imaginaries to some extra-social authority (i.e. God, ancestors, historical necessity)
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses the difference between societies that create their own systems and those that rely on external authorities for their beliefs and practices.
In this quote, Cornelius Castoriadis emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in societal structures. He distinguishes autonomous societies, where individuals recognize and actively participate in the creation of their own institutions and beliefs, from heteronomous societies, where members defer to external authorities like divine figures or historical mandates to justify their social arrangements. This highlights the significance of self-institution and the role of conscious awareness in the formation of societal norms.
Themes
AutonomySocietySelf-InstitutionBeliefsAuthority
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on political philosophy, one might refer to this quote to highlight the importance of self-governance.
Similar quotes
I can see his pride _x000D_ _x000D_ Peep through each part of him.
William ShakespeareRead
Slaughter and justice cannot dwell together.
Isaac Bashevis SingerRead
The landscape of my days appears to be composed, like mountainous regions, of varied materials heaped up pell-mell. There I see my nature, itself composite, made up of equal parts of instinct and training. Here and there protrude the granite peaks of the inevitable, but all about is rubble from the landslips of chance.
Marguerite YourcenarRead
Atonement by the blood of Jesus is not an arm of Christian truth; it is the heart of it.
Charles SpurgeonRead
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Abraham LincolnRead