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So, two cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism.
E. M. Forster
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Democracy is celebrated for both its diversity and its allowance for critical discussion.

E. M. Forster's quote highlights two fundamental aspects of democracy: its ability to embrace a variety of perspectives and its openness to criticism. By admitting differing opinions and allowing for dissent, democracy not only fosters a rich tapestry of ideas but also strengthens itself by encouraging dialogue and accountability, essential for its health and growth.

Themes

DemocracyVarietyCriticismFreedomAccountability

In practice

Example use cases

During a political debate, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of diverse opinions in democratic discourse.

More from E. M. Forster

Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
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A poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
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One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
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Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
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The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
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One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
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