Single Idea 23751

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 1. Basis of Rights]

Full Idea

Rights are always asserted in a tone of contention; and when this tone is adopted, it must rely upon force in the background, or else it will be laughed at.

Gist of Idea

Rights are asserted contentiously, and need the backing of force

Source

Simone Weil (Human Personality [1943], p.81)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.81


A Reaction

This is the sort of observation which leads on to Foucault's account of all-pervasive power. Her observation may not be so sinister. It is obvious that introductions of new rights go against the grain of a conservative society - and so need a push.

Related Idea

Idea 23761 Justice (concerning harm) is distinct from rights (concerning inequality) [Weil]