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Open societies prioritize individual rights over collective goals from "summary" of The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Raimund Popper

The essence of an open society lies in its commitment to the preservation of individual rights above all else. This core principle forms the bedrock of a system that values the autonomy and dignity of each person. In contrast to closed or totalitarian societies, which often sacrifice individual freedoms for the supposed greater good of the collective, open societies recognize that the rights of the individual must be safeguarded at all costs. This emphasis on the primacy of individual rights is not merely a theoretical abstraction but a practical necessity for the functioning of a free and just society. By prioritizing individual rights over collective goals, open societies create a framework in which individuals are free to pursue their own interests and goals without undue interference from the state or other institutions. This freedom is not absolute, of course, as it must be balanced against the rights of others and the needs of society as a whole. However, the principle of individual rights serves as a crucial bulwark against the encroachment of authoritarianism and tyranny. In practice, the protection of individual rights requires the establishment of legal and political institutions that are designed to limit the power of the state and protect the rights of citizens. This includes guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion, as well as protections against arbitrary arrest and detention. These rights are not granted by the state but are inherent to the individual, and it is the role of the state to uphold and defend them. The recognition of individual rights also requires a commitment to the rule of law and the principle of equality before the law. In an open society, all individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of their status or background. This principle ensures that no one is above the law and that all individuals are held accountable for their actions.
  1. The prioritization of individual rights over collective goals is not a sign of selfishness or individualism but a recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. It is only by safeguarding the rights of the individual that we can hope to build a society that is truly free, just, and open.
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The Open Society and Its Enemies

Karl Raimund Popper

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