On the record
The general objection that paternalism tends to keep those affected by it permanently in the status of children, without an impetus to help themselves, rests on the same basis.
Said by
John Dewey
Source
gutenberg.orgJohn Dewey: “The general objection that paternalism tends to keep those affected by it permanently in the status of children, without…”
Editor's note · Context
This quote critiques paternalism for potentially hindering individuals from achieving self-sufficiency.
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More from John Dewey
The relationships of husband and wife, parent and children, older and younger children, friend and friend, are the bonds from which authority proceeds.
The easiest way out was to go back to the naked individual, to sweep away all associations as foreign to his nature and rights save as they proceeded from his own voluntary choice, and guaranteed his own private ends.
They are made that way; it is “the nature of the beast.” We do not gain anything by inserting instincts to run, creep, swim and fly between the structure and the act.
But it indicates where the problem resides, whatever guise it assumes.