Single Idea 7210

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 2. State Legitimacy / d. General will]

Full Idea

The will of the people practically means the will of the most numerous or the most active part of the people.

Gist of Idea

The will of the people is that of the largest or most active part of the people

Source

John Stuart Mill (On Liberty [1857], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.129


A Reaction

Hence the nicely coined modern phrase 'the silent majority', on whose behalf certain politicians, usually conservative, offer to speak. It is unlikely that the silent majority are actually deeply opposed to the views of the very active part.