Vote: the instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.
Ambrose BierceRead
If there is a mystical chord in democracy, it probably revolves around the notion that unexpected music can resonate from politics when people are pursuing questions larger than self... I have seen that ennobling effect in people many, many times- expressed by those who found themselves engaged in genuine acts of democratic expression, who claimed their right to define the larger destiny of their community, their nations.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the uplifting potential of democracy when individuals engage in collective pursuits beyond their personal interests.
William Greider reflects on the powerful and harmonious effects that democracy can have when people come together for a purpose greater than themselves. He emphasizes how genuine democratic engagement allows individuals to feel a sense of nobility and connection with their community, leading to a more profound impact on society as a whole.
Themes
DemocracyEngagementCommunityCollectivePurpose
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic responsibility, one might say, 'As William Greider noted, when we pursue questions larger than ourselves, we can create unexpected music in democracy.'
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