Our tradition of political thought had its definite beginning in the teachings of Plato and Aristotle. I believe it came to a no less definite end in the theories of Karl Marx.
Hannah ArendtRead
The point about democracy is not that it delivers legitimate, effective, prosperous rule of law. It's not that it guarantees peace with itself or with its neighbors. ... Democracy matters because it reflects an idea of equality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy signifies the value of equality among individuals in society.
In this quote, Rory Stewart emphasizes that the essence of democracy goes beyond practical outcomes like effective governance or peace. Instead, it is rooted in the fundamental principle of equality, suggesting that democracy is valuable because it embodies the idea that all individuals are equal in their rights and voices, fostering a society where everyone has a stake in the collective decision-making process.
Themes
DemocracyEqualityGovernanceSocietyFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a political discussion about the values of democracy.
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