The man whose whole activity is diverted to inner meditation becomes insensible to all his surroundings.
Emile DurkheimSocial life comes from a double source, the likeness of consciences and the division of social labour.
Emile DurkheimWhen morals are sufficient, law is unnecessary; when morals are insufficient, law is unenforceable.
Emile DurkheimEach new generation is reared by its predecessor; the latter must therefore improve in order to improve its successor. The movement is circular.
Emile DurkheimSociety is not a mere sum of individuals. Rather, the system formed by their association represents a specific reality which has its own characteristics... The group thinks, feels, and acts quite differently from the way in which its members would were they isolated. If, then, we begin with the individual, we shall be able to understand nothing of what takes place in the group.
Emile Durkheim