Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.
Norman CousinsRead
In a democracy, the individual enjoys not only the ultimate power but carries the ultimate responsibility.
Interpretation
What this quote means
In a democracy, individuals have both power and the responsibility that comes with it.
This quote emphasizes the dual nature of democracy where, while individuals possess significant power in shaping governance and society, they are also accountable for the consequences of their actions and decisions. It suggests that true democracy is not merely about enjoying freedoms and rights but also about recognizing one's duty to contribute positively and responsibly to the collective welfare.
Themes
DemocracyResponsibilityPowerIndividualAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
During a civic education class discussing the role of citizens in a democracy.
More from Norman Cousins
All quotes βNever deny a diagnosis, but do deny the negative verdict that may go with it.
Norman CousinsRead
Although a man may have no jurisdiction over the fact of his existence, he can hold supreme command over the meaning of existence for him.
Norman CousinsRead
People are never more insecure than when they become obsessed with their fears at the expense of their dreams.
Norman CousinsRead
Reverence for life is more than solicitude or sensitivity for life. It is a sense of the whole, a capacity for inspired response, a respect for the intricate universe of individual life. It is the supreme awareness of awareness itself.
Norman CousinsRead
Drugs are not always necessary. Belief in recovery always is.
Norman CousinsRead
Similar quotes
The demands that good people make are upon themselves; Those that bad people make are upon others.
ConfuciusRead
Human models are more vivid and more persuasive than explicit moral commands.
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
Used to the conditions of a capitalistic environment, the average American takes it for granted that every year business makes something new and better accessible to him. Looking backward upon the years of his own life, he realizes that many implements that were totally unknown in the days of his youth and many others which at that time could be enjoyed only by a small minority are now standard equipment of almost every household.
Ludwig Von MisesRead
God has given you your country as cradle, and humanity as mother; you cannot rightly love your brethren of the cradle if you love not the common mother.
Giuseppe MazziniRead
Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.
Saint AugustineRead
Every one in a crowd has the power to throw dirt; none out of ten have the inclination.
William HazlittRead