The good man is he who rules himself as he does his own property: his autonomous being is modelled on material power

The good man is he who rules himself as he does his own property: his autonomous being is modelled on material power

The quote "The good man is he who rules himself as he does his own property: his autonomous being is modelled on material power" can be interpreted in various ways, especially in the context of Theodor Adorno's philosophy. Adorno was a German philosopher and sociologist known for his critical theory and analysis of modern society. He was a prominent member of the Frankfurt School, a group of intellectuals who sought to understand and critique the social, political, and cultural conditions of their time.

In this quote, the idea of ruling oneself as one does their own property suggests a sense of control and ownership over one's own being. Adorno believed that individuals in modern society were often alienated from themselves and their own autonomy due to the oppressive forces of capitalism and mass culture. The concept of ruling oneself can be seen as a form of resistance against these forces, a way of asserting one's own agency and autonomy in a world that seeks to commodify and control every aspect of human life.

The reference to material power in the quote can be understood as a critique of the way in which individuals in modern society often equate their worth and identity with material possessions and external markers of success. Adorno believed that this obsession with material wealth and power served to further alienate individuals from their true selves and perpetuate a cycle of exploitation and domination.

For Adorno, the good man is not someone who seeks to accumulate material wealth and power, but rather someone who is able to resist the dehumanizing forces of modern society and assert their own autonomy and agency. This requires a deep self-awareness and a willingness to challenge the dominant ideologies and structures that seek to control and manipulate individuals.