Single Idea 19991

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 1. Grounds of equality]

Full Idea

The spirit of true equality consists, not in creating a situation in which everyone commands, or in which no one is commanded, but rather in obeying or commanding only our equals.

Gist of Idea

Equality is not command by everyone or no one, but command and obedience among equals

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 08.03)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.163


A Reaction

I love this idea, but it is so easy to feel superior when you command, or to feel inferior when you are commanded. I take the solution to be the appointment of everyone in authority by those they will command (but fat chance of that).