Single Idea 18661

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 6. Political freedom]

Full Idea

The liberty of the ancients was their active participation in the exercise of political power, not the peaceful enjoyment of personal independence.

Gist of Idea

Ancient freedom was free participation in politics, not private independence of life

Source

Will Kymlicka (Contemporary Political Philosophy (1st edn) [1990], 7.2.a)

Book Reference

Kymlicka,Will: 'Contemporary Political Philosophy (1st edn)' [OUP 1992], p.250


A Reaction

Interesting. It takes a feat of imagination to grasp a world where the desire for freedom to sit at home and compile a database of philosophical ideas never even crossed anyone's mind.