No one is innocent after the experience of governing. But not everyone is guilty.
Daniel Patrick MoynihanRead
Am I embarrassed to speak for a less than perfect democracy? Not one bit. Find me a better one. Do I suppose there are societies which are free of sin? No, I don't. Do I think ours is, on balance, incomparably the most hopeful set of human relations the world has? Yes, I do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a strong defense of democracy despite its flaws, asserting that it remains the most hopeful system of human relations.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan articulates a powerful sentiment about democracy in this quote. He acknowledges the imperfections and sins present in any society but firmly believes that democracy, despite its shortcomings, offers the best framework for human interaction and hope. This perspective champions the idea that while no system is perfect, democracy provides unparalleled opportunities for freedom and progress, urging the audience to recognize its inherent value.
Themes
DemocracyHopeSocietyFreedomImperfection
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about political systems, I referenced Moynihan's perspective on the value of democracy.
More from Daniel Patrick Moynihan
All quotes →If the newspapers of a country are filled with good news, the jails of that country will be filled with good people.
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When a person goes to a country and finds their newspapers filled with nothing but good news, he can bet there are good men in jail.
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You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.
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The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself.
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The richest inheritance any child can have is a stable, loving, disciplined family life.
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