This solidarity can grow only in inverse ratio to personality... Solidarity which comes from likenesses is at its maximum when the collective conscience completely envelops our whole conscience and coincides in all points with it... when this solidarity exercises its force, our personality vanishes, as our definition permits us to say, for we are no longer ourselves, but the collective life.
Emile DurkheimBy definition, sacred beings are separated beings. That which characterizes them is that there is a break of continuity between them and the profane beings.
Emile DurkheimWhen morals are sufficient, law is unnecessary; when morals are insufficient, law is unenforceable.
Emile DurkheimIt is only by historical analysis that we can discover what makes up man, since it is only in the course of history that he is formed.
Emile DurkheimSocial life comes from a double source, the likeness of consciences and the division of social labour.
Emile Durkheim