In the largest scheme of things, just as no one has the right to tell us our true value, no one has the right to tell us what we truly owe.
David GraeberRead
It's true that most American citizens think of themselves as living in a democratic country. But when was the last time that any Americans actually sat down and came to a collective decision? Maybe if they are ordering pizzas, but basically never.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the illusion of democracy among Americans, highlighting the infrequent occasions where collective decision-making genuinely occurs.
David Graeber's quote questions the authenticity of democratic practices in the United States by pointing out that while citizens consider themselves part of a democratic society, true collective decision-making is rarely practiced. He suggests that even in casual scenarios, like ordering pizza, the communal decision-making process is an exception rather than the norm, thus revealing a disconnect between the ideal of democracy and the actual engagement of citizens in democratic processes.
Themes
DemocracyCollective DecisionPoliticsCitizenshipEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech discussing civic engagement, you could use this quote to illustrate the need for more active participation in democracy.
More from David Graeber
All quotes →As it turns out, we don't "all" have to pay our debts. Only some of us do.
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