Ideas don't desert you; ideas aren't treasonous to you, but people can be.
Alan DershowitzRead
Candor and accountability in a democracy is very important. Hypocrisy has no place.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Honesty and responsibility are crucial in a democracy, while dishonesty should be rejected.
This quote emphasizes the importance of transparency and responsibility in democratic governance. It suggests that without candor—open and honest communication—society cannot function effectively, and hypocrisy undermines the moral integrity essential for a healthy democracy. Upholding these values is key to fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
Themes
DemocracyCandorAccountabilityHypocrisyTransparency
In practice
Example use cases
During a town hall meeting about local governance.
More from Alan Dershowitz
All quotes →Ed Koch will never "rest in peace." That was not his way. He was always nervously squirming, while making others squirm as well. Comfort was not his goal. He understood that to be a proud and assertive Jew meant never being able to leave a sigh of relief and say "it's over, we are at peace, we can now put down our guard and relax."
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It's never acceptable to target civilians. It violates the Geneva Accords, it violates the international law of war and it violates all principles of morality.
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When I was growing up, my mother would always say, 'It will go on your permanent record.' There was no 'permanent record.' If there were a 'permanent record,' I'd never be able to be a lawyer. I was such a bum, in elementary school and high school... There is a permanent record today and it's called the Internet.
Alan DershowitzRead
A good lawyer knows how to shut up when he's won his case.
Alan DershowitzRead
Scientists search for truth. Philosophers search for morality. A criminal trial searches for only one result: proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Alan DershowitzRead
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