If it be true that democracy is based upon the assumption that every man shall serve his fellow man, the organization of democracy should be gradually adapted to that assumption.
Herbert CrolyRead
Democracy must stand or fall on a platform of possible human perfectibility. If human nature cannot be improved by institutions, democracy is at best a more than usually safe form of political organization . . . . But if it is to work better as well as merely longer, it must have some leavening effect on human nature; and the sincere democrat is obliged to assume the power of the leaven. [Progressive]
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy relies on the belief that human nature can improve through better institutions and ideals.
This quote by Herbert Croly emphasizes that the success of democracy is fundamentally tied to the idea that human beings are capable of improvement. If institutions cannot foster the betterment of human nature, then democracy will only serve as a temporary and less effective political system. Therefore, those who advocate for democracy must work towards enhancing human potential and behavior to ensure that democracy not only endures but thrives.
Themes
DemocracyHuman NatureImprovementInstitutionsPolitical System
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of education in fostering democratic values.
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