The wavering and shifting line of distinction between a state and other forms of social union is, again, an obstacle in the way of theories of the state which imply as their concrete counterpart something as sharply marked off as is the concept.
Dewey points out the challenges theories face due to the ambiguous boundaries between states and other social unions.
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The local communities without intent or forecast found their affairs conditioned by remote and invisible organizations.
Custom consolidates what accident may have originated; established power has a way of legitimizing itself.
If one wishes to realize the distance which may lie between “facts” and the meaning of facts, let one go to the field of social discussion.
But he does so only at the cost of repression of those of his potentialities which can be realized only through membership in other groups.