Single Idea 23272

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / g. Liberalism critique]

Full Idea

Individuals are of slight importance compared to the mass of the human race.

Gist of Idea

The human race matters, and individuals have little importance

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Introduction to the Philosophy of History [1840], 3)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of History', ed/tr. Rauch,Leo [Hackett 1988], p.23


A Reaction

A perfect statement of the anti-liberal viewpoint. Hegel is complex, but this is the strand that leads to ridiculous totalitarianism, where the highest ideal is to die for the glory of your nation. Importance can only start from individuals.