Personal relations are the important thing for ever and ever, and not this outer life of telegrams and anger.
E. M. ForsterRead
So, two cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy is celebrated for both its diversity and its allowance for critical discussion.
E. M. Forster's quote highlights two fundamental aspects of democracy: its ability to embrace a variety of perspectives and its openness to criticism. By admitting differing opinions and allowing for dissent, democracy not only fosters a rich tapestry of ideas but also strengthens itself by encouraging dialogue and accountability, essential for its health and growth.
Themes
DemocracyVarietyCriticismFreedomAccountability
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of diverse opinions in democratic discourse.
More from E. M. Forster
All quotes βA poem is true if it hangs together. Information points to something else. A poem points to nothing but itself.
E. M. ForsterRead
One must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life.
E. M. ForsterRead
Oxford is Oxford: not a mere receptacle for youth, like Cambridge. Perhaps it wants its inmates to love it rather than to love one another.
E. M. ForsterRead
The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something less dramatic and emotional is needed, namely tolerance.
E. M. ForsterRead
One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.
E. M. ForsterRead
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Let me go: take back thy gift: Why should a man desire in any way To vary from the kindly race of men, Or pass beyond the goal of ordinance Where all should pause, as is most meet for all? ...Why wilt thou ever scare me with thy tears, And make me tremble lest a saying learnt, In days far-off, on that dark earth, be true? βThe Gods themselves cannot recall their gifts.β - Tithonus
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Since I have introduced this term I had always a bad conscience. . . . I cannot help to feel it strongly and I am unable to believe that such an ugly thing should be realized in nature.
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I admit that thoughts influence the body.
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Lukewarm people call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers.
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