What is worse than having no sight is being able to see but having no vision.
Helen KellerRead
We, the people, are not free. Our democracy is but a name. We vote? What does that mean? It means we choose between Tweedledee and Tweedledum. We elect expensive masters to do our work for us, and then blame them because they work for themselves and for their class.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the illusion of democracy and highlights the disillusionment of citizens in a system that doesn't truly serve them.
Helen Keller's quote sheds light on the complexities and shortcomings of democracy as experienced by the people. She suggests that the act of voting is superficial, as it merely presents voters with persuasive choices between two similar candidates, ultimately leading to the election of leaders who prioritize their own interests and those of the elite over the needs of the general populace. This disillusionment calls into question the authenticity of democratic freedom.
Themes
DemocracyFreedomDisillusionmentPoliticsElections
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a political discussion to emphasize the shortcomings of modern democratic systems.
More from Helen Keller
All quotes →What could be worse than being born without sight? Being born with sight and no vision.
Helen KellerRead
Knowledge is power." Rather, knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge - broad, deep knowledge - is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low. To know the thoughts and deeds that have marked man's progress is to feel the great heart-throbs of humanity through the centuries; and if one does not feel in these pulsations a heavenward striving, one must indeed be deaf to the harmonies of life.
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Be not dumb, obedient slaves in an army of destruction. Be heroes in an army of construction.
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Our beloved ones have not 'gone to a far country.' It is only the veil of sense that separates them from us, and even that veil grows thin when our thoughts reach out to them.
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It's wonderful to climb the liquid mountains of the sky. Behind me and before me is God and I have no fears.
Helen KellerRead
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