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A democracy is a state which recognizes the subjection of the minority to the majority, that is, an organization for the systematic use of violence by one class against the other, by one part of the population against another.
Vladimir Lenin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote critiques democracy as a system where the majority's will can oppress the minority.

Vladimir Lenin's quote highlights the inherent conflict within a democratic system, suggesting that it often operates on the principle of majority rule, which can lead to the oppression of minority groups. He argues that democracy, rather than being a purely egalitarian structure, can become a mechanism that enables the systematic use of force by one group over another, thus revealing the complexities and potential injustices embedded within democratic governance.

Themes

DemocracyMajorityMinorityOppressionPoliticsConflict

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the limitations of democratic systems during a political science lecture.

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