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But government in which the majority rule in all cases can not be based on justice, even as far as men understand it.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Majority rule does not guarantee justice in governance.

Thoreau suggests that simply having a government where the majority rules does not automatically lead to fair or just outcomes. Justice is more complex than majority opinion, as it involves moral and ethical considerations that can't always be captured by what most people believe or want.

Themes

GovernmentMajorityJusticeEthicsMorality

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate about voting rights, this quote could be used to emphasize the need for justice over mere majority opinion.

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