Single Idea 22560

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / a. Nature of democracy]

Full Idea

In cities under democracies that are in accord with law, popular leaders do not arise, but rather it is the best citizens who take the front seats. Where the laws are not in control, however, there popular leaders arise.

Gist of Idea

Popular leaders only arise in democracies that are not in accord with the law

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1292a07)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.90


A Reaction

This remark is, unfortunately, highly relevant to western politics in 2020. He says that flatterers rise to the top in these regimes.