Full Idea
If we wish to investigate the best constitution appropriately, we must first decide what is the most desirable life.
Gist of Idea
We must decide the most desirable human life before designing a constitution
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1323a14)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.391
A Reaction
He takes this for granted, and it sounds right, but it is firmly contradicted by modern liberals (e.g. Rawls), who say the good life is for individuals to decide.