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Single Idea 19830

[from 'The Social Contract (tr Cress)' by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / d. Elites ]

Full Idea

With a large state in the hands of one man there is too great a distance between the prince and the people, and the state lacks cohesiveness. This requires intermediate orders of nobility to fill them. A small state is ruined by all these social levels.

Gist of Idea

Large states need a nobility to fill the gap between a single prince and the people

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.06)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.184


A Reaction

[compressed] This seems to be a justification for the French ancien regime. Presumably this bit was not quoted much in 1789. Why must the gap be filled by 'nobility'? What about an elected house of lords?