Single Idea 23863

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / b. Liberal individualism]

Full Idea

The enlightened goodwill of men acting in an individual capacity is the only possible principle of social progress.

Gist of Idea

Only individual people of good will can achieve social progress

Source

Simone Weil (Reflections on Liberty and Social Oppression [1934], p.57)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'Oppression and Liberty' [Routledge 1955], p.57


A Reaction

I identify with this. Virtually every admirable institution in a society can be traced back to the initiative of a few individuals. Every helpful technology was someone's brainwave.