“In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme.”
- 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
“In a democracy the poor will have more power than the rich, because there are more of them, and the will of the majority is supreme.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle observes that in a democratic system, the majority—often composed of the poorer classes—holds significant power because they outnumber the wealthier minority. Democracy, by its nature, relies on the principle that the will of the majority determines political decisions. As a result, in a society where wealth is not equally distributed, the poorer segments of the population, having greater numbers, will have a larger influence on policy and governance. This may result in policies that reflect the interests and needs of the majority, potentially at the expense of the wealthier minority. Aristotle’s insight highlights the potential tension between the interests of the majority and the privileges of the wealthy in a democratic society.
This observation remains relevant today in discussions about political power and economic inequality. In many modern democracies, the influence of wealth on politics is a topic of debate, with concerns that the rich, through their resources and influence, may hold disproportionate sway over decision-making processes. However, Aristotle’s quote emphasizes that the numerical power of the majority, particularly in terms of voting and popular opinion, can balance this power.
For example, in many democratic elections, candidates and political parties often focus on the concerns of the working class or disenfranchised groups to gain popular support. In times of economic inequality, the policies proposed by the majority can include efforts to address wealth disparity through social programs, welfare, or redistributive taxation. Aristotle’s view serves as a reminder that in democracies, the political power of the people, even when not affluent, plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of governance and policies, reflecting the principle of majority rule.
