Democracy, it appears, is a bit chancy. But its chances also depend on what we do ourselves
Robert A. DahlRead
Ironically, the very fact that democracy has such a lengthy history has actually contributed to confusion and disagreement, for 'democracy' has meant different things to different people at different times and places.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy's history has led to varying interpretations, causing confusion about its true meaning.
This quote by Robert A. Dahl highlights the complexity of the concept of democracy, emphasizing that its definition has evolved over time and varies across cultures and contexts. As a result, this historical breadth has fostered misunderstandings and debates about what democracy truly represents, illustrating how a single term can encompass a multitude of ideas and practices.
Themes
DemocracyHistoryInterpretationMeaningConfusion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the evolution of democratic practices in a history class.
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Probably Hobbes got it right when he said that a leviathan, a third party with a monopoly on the use of legitimate use of force in a territory, might be among the biggest violence reduction techniques ever invented.
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