On the record
For the essence of the consequences which call a public into being is the fact that they expand beyond those directly engaged in producing them.
Said by
John Dewey
Source
gutenberg.orgJohn Dewey: “For the essence of the consequences which call a public into being is the fact that they expand beyond those directly…”
Editor's note · Context
This statement reflects Dewey's belief that the effects of actions extend beyond those directly involved.
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More from John Dewey
The invasion of the community by the new and relatively impersonal and mechanical modes of combined human behavior is the outstanding fact of modern life.
They are reflections into the singular human being of customs and institutions; they are not natural, that is, “native,” organic propensities.
The relationships of husband and wife, parent and children, older and younger children, friend and friend, are the bonds from which authority proceeds.
In this distinction we find the germ of the distinction between the private and the public.