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To create a minimum standard of life below which no human being can fall is the most elementary duty of the democratic state.
Walter Lippmann
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A democratic state has a fundamental responsibility to ensure basic living standards for all its citizens.

Walter Lippmann's quote emphasizes the moral obligation of a democratic government to establish a baseline quality of life for its people. He argues that one of the primary functions of a democratic state is to prevent any individual from descending into severe poverty or deprivation, thereby reflecting the core values of equality and justice that underpin democratic governance.

Themes

DemocracyResponsibilityStandard Of LivingHuman RightsSocial Justice

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about social safety nets during a city council meeting.

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