Skip to content

We are the raison d'être of the entire system. We are also…

“We are the raison d'être of the entire system. We are also the employers of those in public office and in the public service. Why should we accept from them a discourse which suggests contempt for us and for the democratic system?” quote by John Ralston Saul
Download Open image
“We are the raison d'être of the entire system. We are also the employers of those in public office and in the public service. Why should we accept from them a discourse which suggests contempt for us and for the democratic system?”

John Ralston Saul

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Citizens fund the system and employ public officials; they should reject contemptuous discourse that undermines democracy.

In simple terms: People deserve respectful democratic dialogue.

Key Takeaway

Demand accountability and respect.

Themes

democracy citizen empowerment public service political discourse

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • public forums
  • civic education
  • media literacy

Key Concepts

political theory ethics social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can ordinary people influence political discourse?
  • What responsibilities do officials have to citizens?
A Different Perspective

Citizens may lack power to change entrenched narratives.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Ralston Saul

Explore all 139 John Ralston Saul quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes