The interest of the individual is protected, because of the liberties he securely enjoys.

The general social interest is equally well protected, because the liberties enjoyed by one or by a few are enjoyed by all.

Thus the individual and the social interests are automatically harmonized.

The virile democrat in pursuing his own interest "under the law" is contributing effectively to the interest of society, while the social interest consists precisely in the promotion of these individual interests, in so far as they can be equally exercised.

The divergent demands of the individual and the social interest can be reconciled by grafting the principle of equality on the thrifty tree of individual rights, and the ripe fruit thereof can be gathered merely by shaking the tree.
It must be immediately admitted, also, that the principle of equal rights, like the principle of ultimate popular political responsibility is the expression of an essential aspect of democracy.