Democratical States must always feel before they can see…
“Democratical States must always feel before they can see: it is this that makes their Governments slow, but the people will be right at last.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote suggests that democratic societies need time for deliberation before acting, which can cause governmental sluggishness but ultimately leads to correct outcomes.
In simple terms: Deliberation slows but ensures right decisions.
Key Takeaway
Patience in democracy yields eventual correctness.
Themes
democracy
governance
decision‑making
patience
collective wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
cautious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- policy formulation
- public referenda
- constitutional conventions
Key Concepts
deliberation
slow bureaucracy
people's will
Practical Applications
- policy analysis
- civic education
Questions to Reflect On
- How does deliberation affect policy quality?
- When might speed outweigh thoroughness?