“Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle defines democracy as a system of government where political power lies in the hands of the poor or indigent rather than the wealthy or property-owning class. Aristotle’s distinction highlights the difference between a democratic system, in which decisions are made by the broader population—often the masses—and a system where power is controlled by the elite or those with property. In his view, democracy can sometimes be problematic because the poor, having different interests and needs than the rich, may pursue policies that favor their own financial or social well-being, potentially at the expense of the stability or long-term welfare of the society as a whole.
Aristotle’s concerns about democracy as he defined it reflect broader worries about the potential for mob rule or the rise of populism, where decisions might be made based on emotion, self-interest, or short-term gain rather than long-term justice or rational governance. He saw democracy as one of the potential degenerations of government systems that, when unchecked, could lead to instability or inequality.
In modern discussions about democracy, this idea remains relevant as a way of understanding the tension between the interests of the wealthy and the needs of the less privileged. Today, many political systems aim to balance the voice of the majority (through elections, representation, and popular participation) with protections for property rights and economic stability.
For example, in many contemporary democratic societies, issues such as wealth inequality and economic policy are hotly debated, with policy decisions often reflecting the divide between the interests of the wealthy elite and the general public. Aristotle’s quote raises important questions about how democratic systems should balance the power of the poor and wealthy to ensure that governance is fair, just, and sustainable for all.
