"Once the state has been founded, there can no longer be any heroes. They come on the scene only in uncivilized conditions"
- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
About this Quote
In this quote, Hegel is suggesting that heroes just emerge in times of disorder and mayhem, such as in earlier phases of human civilization or in times of war, when social structures are not yet fully developed. As soon as a state and its institutions are securely in location, there is no longer a requirement for amazing actions or individuals to maintain order and lead individuals. In this sense, the quote shows Hegel's belief in the importance of social institutions and the rule of law in developing a stable and flourishing society.
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