Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.
Woodrow WilsonRead
An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of Democracy
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that there are hidden power structures influencing democracy.
Woodrow Wilson's quote points to the idea that even within democratic systems, there exist unseen forces or elite groups that exercise significant influence over decision-making and governance, which can undermine the true essence of democracy. This notion implies a critical view of the power dynamics in political structures, emphasizing that what appears democratic on the surface might be manipulated by those in power behind the scenes.
Themes
DemocracyPowerInfluencePoliticsGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate to highlight concerns about hidden agendas within government.
More from Woodrow Wilson
All quotes βSince trade ignores national boundaries and the manufacturer insists on having the world as a market, the flag of his nation must follow him, and the doors of the nations which are closed against him must be battered down. Concessions obtained by financiers must be safeguarded by ministers of state, even if the sovereignty of unwilling nations be outraged in the process. Colonies must be obtained or planted, in order that no useful corner of the world may be overlooked or left unused.
Woodrow WilsonRead
The history of liberty is the history of limitations on the power of government, not the increase of it. When we resist, therefore, the concentration of power, we are resisting the processes of death, because concentration of power is what always precedes the destruction of human liberties.
Woodrow WilsonRead
We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers.
Woodrow WilsonRead
The way to stop financial joyriding is to arrest the chauffeur, not the automobile.
Woodrow WilsonRead
Once lead this people into war, and they'll forget there ever was such a thing as tolerance. To fight, you must be brutal and ruthless, and the spirit of ruthless brutality will enter into the very fiber of our national life, infecting Congress, the courts, the policeman on the beat, the man in the street.
Woodrow WilsonRead
Similar quotes
American power worldwide is at its historic zenith.
Zbigniew BrzezinskiRead
Major international interventions are doomed unless the US is directly or indirectly involved. But if American politicians, officials and servicemen are to be put at risk of arrest and prosecution, the United States will be most reluctant to act in order to curb aggression or prevent genocide. So the effect of the court may well be to diminish, not increase, the numbers of (in the words of the UN Secretary General) 'innocents of distant wars and conflicts'.
Margaret ThatcherRead
British rule depends upon repression and collaboration and the Irish people should recognise that those who collaborate with Britain in exchange for a slice of the cake will implement British policy and remain silent when Irish people are murdered and oppressed. It is they who are responsible for prolonging the war in Ireland. Without the quislings, without the collaborators, we would already have reached freedom.
Martin McguinnessRead
This Government, as promised, has maintained the closest surveillance of the Soviet Military buildup on the island of Cuba. Within the past week, unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere.
John F. KennedyRead
A president cannot meaningfully honor certain token artists while the people at large are so dishonored.'β
Adrienne RichRead
A people cannot long retain their freedom, whose government is incapable of protecting them.
Oliver EllsworthRead