The state precedes the individual because humans achieve their full purpose only within society

Evidence

The State, though later in time than the family, is prior to it, and even to the individual, by nature; for ‘what each thing is when fully developed we call its nature’, and human society, fully developed, is a State, and the whole is prior to the part. … In like manner an individual cannot fulfil his purpose unless he is part of a State. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 802

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 802
• XREF: connects to: People forget their purpose while being carried by societal pressures. — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 179; Private citizens need only obey rules for their own part. — HLA Hart, The Concept of Law (Clarendon Law…, 349; No privileged starting point exists save historically varying human purposes — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 348 (+7 more)

Library Connections

• People forget their purpose while being carried by societal pressures. #complicates (0.45) — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 179

Broader Connections

• Social and cultural structures overdetermine our natural human constitution. #corroborates (0.65)
• Society operates as a complex formation structured in dominance with relative institutional autonomy #expands (0.60)
• Slavery exists wherever men are forced to follow others’ prescribed purposes #qualifies (0.55)