Democracy is four wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Interpretation
This quote criticizes democracy by highlighting the potential tyranny of the majority over the minority.
Ambrose Bierce's quote uses a stark metaphor of wolves and a lamb to illustrate the potential dangers of democracy when the majority can dominate and decide the fate of the minority. It suggests that democratic systems can lead to outcomes that are unjust for those who are outnumbered, raising questions about the true fairness and morality of majority rule.
In practice
In a debate on political systems, one might use this quote to illustrate the critique of democracy.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
We fought a war on poverty, and poverty won
I would simply not compromise on the fundamental rights of people.
Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.
To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.
Not to think of yourself / as someone who did not count -- / Festival of the Souls.
I was raised a black child in the South, where you're indoctrinated into a religion that an oppressor gave you.
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