It is among the evils, and perhaps not the smallest, of…
“It is among the evils, and perhaps not the smallest, of democratical governments, that the people must feel before they will see. When this happens they are roused to action. Hence it is that those kinds of government are so slow.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Democratic governments are slow because people need to feel injustice before acting.
In simple terms: People act only after sensing injustice.
Key Takeaway
Raise awareness of injustice.
Themes
politics
justice
government
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- civil rights movements
- policy reform
- grassroots organizing
Key Concepts
social change
collective action
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we motivate action without suffering?
- What triggers collective action?
A Different Perspective
Not all societies have free expression to act.