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Single Idea 21523

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / b. Devolution ]

Full Idea

We should none of us like the affairs of Great Britain to be settled by a parliament of the world.

Gist of Idea

We would not want UK affairs to be settled by a world parliament

Source

Bertrand Russell (Political Ideals [1917], 1)

Book Ref

Russell,Bertrand: 'Political Ideals' [Spokesman 2007], p.23


A Reaction

The UK is currently (Dec 2018) living with a plan to quit Europe, mainly on the grounds that a European parliament has some authority over Britain. In every country resentment of the government increases with distance from the capital city.


The 13 ideas from 'Political Ideals'

Individuals need creativity, reverence for others, and self-respect [Russell]
Democracy is inadequate without a great deal of devolution [Russell]
We would not want UK affairs to be settled by a world parliament [Russell]
Anarchy does not maximise liberty [Russell]
Theoretical and practical politics are both concerned with the best lives for individuals [Russell]
Men unite in pursuit of material things, and idealise greed as part of group loyalty [Russell]
We need security and liberty, and then encouragement of creativity [Russell]
That our heaven is a dull place reflects the misery of excessive work in life [Russell]
The right to own land gives a legal right to a permanent income [Russell]
When the state is the only employer, there is no refuge from the prejudices of other people [Russell]
Groups should be autonomous, with a neutral authority as arbitrator [Russell]
Unfortunately ordinary voters can't detect insincerity [Russell]
On every new question the majority is always wrong at first [Russell]