Full Idea
While the family is the primary basis of the state, the estates are second. The latter are of special importance, because private persons, despite their selfishness, must have recourse to others.
Gist of Idea
The family is the first basis of the state, but estates are a necessary second
Source
Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 201 add)
Book Reference
Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.234
A Reaction
He mentions agriculture as an estate. The implication is that interactions between families requires state institutions, but in simpler societies families can obviously interact and help one another directly. He wants the state to be indispensable.