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Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards fellow men.
B. R. Ambedkar
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Democracy transcends governmental structures; it's about fostering mutual respect among individuals.

This quote by B. R. Ambedkar emphasizes that democracy is not just a political system but a way of life that involves interacting and living together in harmony. It highlights the importance of respect and reverence for others as foundational principles of a democratic society, suggesting that the quality of our interactions with one another shapes the essence of democracy itself.

Themes

DemocracyRespectLivingExperienceSociety

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on civic engagement, one could use this quote to illustrate the broader implications of democracy beyond the vote.

More from B. R. Ambedkar

Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them.
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Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.
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I like the religion that teaches liberty, equality and fraternity.
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So long as you do not achieve social liberty, whatever freedom is provided by the law is of no avail to you.
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Law and Order are the medicine of the body politic and when the body politic gets sick, medicine must be administered.
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It is disgraceful to live at the cost of one's self-respect. Self-respect is the most vital factor in life. Without it, man is a cipher. To live worthily with self-respect, one has to overcome difficulties. It is out of hard and ceaseless struggle alone that one derives strength, confidence and recognition.
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