Full Idea
The political community that is due to those in the middle class is best, and cities can be well governed where the middle class is numerous and strong.
Gist of Idea
The best communities rely on a large and strong middle class
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1295b34)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.99
A Reaction
He specifically connects this to the doctrine of the mean in 'Ethics'. It seems easier for rulers from the middle classes to command universal respect, as the extremes tend to despise one another. What does he mean by 'strong'?
Related Idea
Idea 22563 The middle classes are neither ambitious nor anarchic, which is good [Aristotle]