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Did you, too, O friend, suppose democracy was only for elections, for politics, and for a party name? I say democracy is only of use there that it may pass on and come to its flower and fruit in manners, in the highest forms of interaction between people, and their beliefs - in religion, literature, colleges and schools- democracy in all public and private life.
Walt Whitman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Democracy extends beyond politics to the essence of human interactions and societal values.

Walt Whitman's quote emphasizes that democracy is not merely a political system confined to elections and party identities; rather, it is a vital force that should permeate all aspects of life, influencing our beliefs, interactions, and institutions such as religion, literature, and education. True democracy flourishes in the richness of human connections and the collective progress of society, manifesting in the everyday actions and thoughts of individuals.

Themes

DemocracyInteractionBeliefsSocietyCivilization

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of social responsibility in a democratic society.

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