A pier is a disappointed bridge; yet stare at it for long enough and you can dream it to the other side of the Channel.
Julian BarnesRead
The point about democracy is not that it delivers legitimate, effective, prosperous rule of law. It's not that it guarantees peace with itself or with its neighbors. ... Democracy matters because it reflects an idea of equality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy signifies the value of equality among individuals in society.
In this quote, Rory Stewart emphasizes that the essence of democracy goes beyond practical outcomes like effective governance or peace. Instead, it is rooted in the fundamental principle of equality, suggesting that democracy is valuable because it embodies the idea that all individuals are equal in their rights and voices, fostering a society where everyone has a stake in the collective decision-making process.
Themes
DemocracyEqualityGovernanceSocietyFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a political discussion about the values of democracy.
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