Single Idea 22788

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 2. Self as Social Construct]

Full Idea

When we say that a human being must be somebody, we mean that he must belong to a particular estate. …A human being with no estate is merely a private person and does not possess universality.

Gist of Idea

A human only become a somebody as a member of a social estate

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 207 add)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.239


A Reaction

The first rebellion in Europe against the rising individual liberalism which started with Descartes and was clarified in Kant. Hegel's idea is hugely influential, especially through Marx. I don't believe being a person is a wholly social matter.