Socrates Café at OBA - Philosopher's Quotes

In this format, the moderator picks a quote from a known philosopher. A summary is provided below. Please take the time to read.

The Moderator will give a short introduction, then we will have an open discussion, and a final round when everyone will give their conclusions.

Quote of this Session:

Hannah Arendt
“Power arises not from domination but from people acting together with shared purpose.”

Arendt is saying that real power does not come from controlling or forcing people. It comes when people voluntarily come together and act toward a shared goal. Power exists only while that cooperation and shared purpose exists.

About the author
Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) was a German-American political philosopher known for her work on totalitarianism, authority, and the nature of power. She wrote influential books like The Origins of Totalitarianism and The Human Condition. Her thinking focused on how political systems shape human freedom, and she made a key distinction between power, violence, and authority, arguing that genuine political power arises from collective human action, not coercion.

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