The state, however, has no concern of its own; its purpose is formal, like that of the leader of the orchestra who plays no instrument and makes no music, but who serves to keep other players who do produce music in unison with one another.
Dewey compares the role of the state to that of an orchestra leader, emphasizing its function in coordinating rather than producing.
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But in this respect he does not differ from those explicitly designated public officials who have also been known to betray the interest committed to them instead of faithfully representing it.
Personal loyalties to elders take the place of political obedience.
The ties which hold men together in action are numerous, tough and subtle.
Extensive, enduring, intricate and serious indirect consequences of the conjoint activity of a comparatively few persons traverse the globe.