The Philosopher
James Harrington
The face
The background
- Nationality:
- English
- Schools:
- Classical Republicanism
- Period:
- 17th century
The synopsis
James Harrington (or Harington; 3 January 1611 – 11 September 1677) was an English political theorist renowned for his contributions to classical republican thought. His most famous work, The Commonwealth of Oceana (1656), presented an exposition of an ideal republican constitution, conceived as a blueprint for the English republic that emerged after Charles I's execution in 1649. Harrington's political ideas, including advocacy for vote by ballot and rotation of public offices, were explored through his club, the 'Rota'. Despite his intellectual contributions, his practical political influence was limited. He was born in Upton, Northamptonshire, and died in Westminster. Harrington's intellectual legacy is rooted in his utopian vision for a stable and just commonwealth.
The works
The Commonwealth of Oceana
The quotes
The Law is but words and paper without the hands of swords of men.
Vice: Whatever was passion in the contemplation of man, being brought forth by his will into action.
No man can be a politician, except he be first a historian or a traveller; for except he can see what must be, or what may be, he is no politician.
A whole army, though they can neither write nor read, are not afraid of a platform, which they know is but earth or stone; nor of a cannon, which, without a hand to give fire to it, is but cold iron; therefore a whole army is afraid of one man.