Single Idea 22563

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 4. Citizenship]

Full Idea

Those in the middle [in wealth] are least inclined either to avoid rule or to be eager to rule, both of which things are harmful to cities.

Gist of Idea

The middle classes are neither ambitious nor anarchic, which is good

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1295b12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.98


A Reaction

How nice to hear something good about the poor old middle classes - the hated bourgeoisie of the marxists, looked down on by the snobbish elite. They avoid the black market, and bribery for offices.

Related Ideas

Idea 22564 Community is based on friends, who are equal and similar, and share things [Aristotle]

Idea 22565 The best communities rely on a large and strong middle class [Aristotle]