Single Idea 2803

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / a. Human distinctiveness]

Full Idea

Man is by nature a political animal.

Gist of Idea

Man is by nature a political animal

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1253a01)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.59


A Reaction

It might be clearer if we said 'social animal'. We are certainly gregarious. Anyone who fails to be social is dismissed by Aristotle as not truly human.

Related Ideas

Idea 21435 Man is both social, and unsociable [Kant]

Idea 2820 People want to live together, even when they don't want mutual help [Aristotle]