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I shall ask no more than that you agree with Dean Inge that even though counting heads is not an ideal way to govern, at least it is better than breaking them.
Learned Hand
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that while democracy may not be perfect, it is preferable to violence and oppression.

Learned Hand's quote suggests that while the process of counting heads—symbolizing democratic governance—might not be the most ideal method of ruling a society, it is still vastly superior to resorting to violence and brutality. It highlights the value of dialogue and consensus in governance over authoritarian measures, advocating for a system that respects the voices of individuals despite its imperfections.

Themes

DemocracyGovernanceViolenceOppressionConsensus

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a political speech advocating for democratic reforms.

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The language of the law must not be foreign to the ears of those who are to obey it.
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As soon as we cease to pry about at random, we shall come to rely upon accredited bodies of authoritative dogma; and as soon as we come to rely upon accredited bodies of authoritative dogma, not only are the days of our liberty over, but we have lost the password that has hitherto opened to us the gates of success as well.
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What to an outsider will be no more than the vigorous presentation of a conviction, to an employee may be the manifestation of a determination which it is not safe to thwart.
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The spirit of liberty is the spirit of him who, near two thousand years ago, taught mankind that lesson it has never learned ... .
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