In the largest scheme of things, just as no one has the right to tell us our true value, no one has the right to tell us what we truly owe.
David GraeberRead
It's true that most American citizens think of themselves as living in a democratic country. But when was the last time that any Americans actually sat down and came to a collective decision? Maybe if they are ordering pizzas, but basically never.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the illusion of democracy among Americans, highlighting the infrequent occasions where collective decision-making genuinely occurs.
David Graeber's quote questions the authenticity of democratic practices in the United States by pointing out that while citizens consider themselves part of a democratic society, true collective decision-making is rarely practiced. He suggests that even in casual scenarios, like ordering pizza, the communal decision-making process is an exception rather than the norm, thus revealing a disconnect between the ideal of democracy and the actual engagement of citizens in democratic processes.
Themes
DemocracyCollective DecisionPoliticsCitizenshipEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech discussing civic engagement, you could use this quote to illustrate the need for more active participation in democracy.
More from David Graeber
All quotes →As it turns out, we don't "all" have to pay our debts. Only some of us do.
David GraeberRead
Similar quotes
...logical validity is not a guarantee of truth.
David Foster WallaceRead
How do we navigate and process painful biases and conflicting emotions and press on to be sacrificial and suffer in the struggle? And what do we do with images and depictions that, known or unknown to those perpetuating them, may contribute to the impediment of human progress?
Bernice KingRead
To find a cause that's larger than yourself and then to give your life to it.
Shimon PeresRead
Admiration is a very short-lived passion, that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object.
Joseph AddisonRead
The ecstasy is so short but the forgetting is so long.
Walt WhitmanRead
Why do babies starve /When there's enough food to feed the world /Why when there's so many of us /Are there people still alone
Tracy ChapmanRead