Single Idea 23160

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 8. Socialism]

Full Idea

A society in which each is the slave of all is only a little better than one in which each is the slave of a despot.

Gist of Idea

Being a slave of society is hardly better than being a slave of a despot

Source

Bertrand Russell (Authority and the Individual [1949], 4)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Authority and the Individual' [Unwin 1977], p.62


A Reaction

This seems to apply quite accurately to the position of those state employees who have the lowest status and wages. Society as a whole exploits them, so it is hard to point the finger at their oppressors.