War does horrible things to human beings, to societies. It brings out the best, but most often the worst, in our human nature.
Richard EngelRead
If democracy brings an undemocratic group to power, is that a victory for democracy?
Interpretation
The quote questions the integrity of democracy when it allows undemocratic entities to gain power.
Richard Engel's quote presents a paradox within democratic systems, where the election or rise of a group that does not adhere to democratic principles challenges the validity of the democratic process itself. It prompts readers to reflect on the implications of majority rule and the need to protect democratic values against the potential of being undermined by those who do not believe in democracy.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of safeguarding democratic values.
War does horrible things to human beings, to societies. It brings out the best, but most often the worst, in our human nature.
Isn't it too bad that the great truths are all such lies.
A single lifetime, even though entirely devoted to the sky, would not be enough for the study of so vast a subject. A time will come when our descendants will be amazed that we did not know things that are so plain to them.
The Law and the Gospel are two keys. The Law is the key that shutteth up all men under condemnation, and the Gospel is the key which opens the door and lets them out.
It now lately sometimes seemed a black miracle to me that people could actually care deeply about a subject or pursuit, and could go on caring this way for years on end. Could dedicate their entire lives to it. It seemed admirable and at the same time pathetic. We are all dying to give our lives away to something, maybe.
Nature has placed mankind under the government of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure... they govern us in all we do, in all we say, in all we think: every effort we can make to throw off our subjection, will serve but to demonstrate and confirm it.
Western people ask me whether it is a paradox that I am King but support democracy. I have to tell them that in Thailand, the King is the guarantor of democracy.
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