Single Idea 23818

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 6. Political freedom]

Full Idea

Liberty is the power of choice within the latitude left between the direct constraint of natural forces and the authority accepted as legitimate.

Gist of Idea

We have liberty in the space between nature and accepted authority

Source

Simone Weil (Draft Statement of Human Obligations [1943], p.228)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.228


A Reaction

Accepting legitimate authority is a nicely softened version of the social contract. We often find that the office and rank are accepted as legitimate, but then are unable to accept the appalling individual who holds the office.