“In democracies, of the more extreme type there has arisen a false idea of freedom which is contradictory to the true interests of the state. For two principles are characteristic of democracy, the government of the majority and freedom. Men think that 

Edgar Miller, "In democracies, of the more extreme type there has arisen a false idea of freedom which is contradictory to the true interests of the state. For two principles are characteristic of democracy, the government of the majority and freedom. Men think that what is just is equal; and that equality is the supremacy of the popular will; and that freedom means the doing what a man likes. In such democracies everyone lives as he pleases...But this is all wrong; men should not think it slavery to live according to the rule of the constitution; for itis their salvation."--Aristotle on the importance of the constitution in a democracy. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, tempera on plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.214
Copied Edgar Miller, "In democracies, of the more extreme type there has arisen a false idea of freedom which is contradictory to the true interests of the state. For two principles are characteristic of democracy, the government of the majority and freedom. Men think that , 1950, tempera on plaster, 34 3⁄8 x 29 5⁄8 in. (87.3 x 75.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.214

Artwork Details

Title
“In democracies, of the more extreme type there has arisen a false idea of freedom which is contradictory to the true interests of the state. For two principles are characteristic of democracy, the government of the majority and freedom. Men think that what is just is equal; and that equality is the supremacy of the popular will; and that freedom means the doing what a man likes. In such democracies everyone lives as he pleases…But this is all wrong; men should not think it slavery to live according to the rule of the constitution; for itis their salvation.” – Aristotle on the importance of the constitution in a democracy. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1950
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
34 3⁄8 x 29 5⁄8 in. (87.3 x 75.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
tempera on plaster
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group — male
  • Dress — historic — classical dress
  • Occupation — education — philosopher
  • Allegory — civic — democracy
  • Portrait male — Aristotle
Object Number
1984.124.214
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.214