Democracy Quote by Bernard Crick
““Monarchy is like a splendid ship, with all sails set it moves majestically on, but then it hits a rock and sinks for ever. Democracy is like a raft. It never sinks but, damn it, your feet are always in the water. That is a good metaphor, for raft, he implies, is simply swept along by the tide or the current; one can with a paddle or a plank steer a little to stay afloat, trim forward direction slightly to left or right, perhaps even slow down or speed up a little, but there is no turning back against the current of democracy.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, 1990s
Monarchy offers grand stability but can fail catastrophically; democracy is modest, always vulnerable but adaptable.
In simple terms: Monarchy is powerful but risky; democracy is fragile but flexible.
Key Takeaway
Embrace democratic participation despite its messiness.
Themes
politics
government
stability
flexibility
risk
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- elections
- civic engagement
- policy debates
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social contract
collective action
institutional design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens steer democracy effectively?
- What safeguards prevent democratic decay?
A Different Perspective
Democracy can be slow and indecisive, limiting swift action.
![“Democracy is an excellent way of ensuring that nothing much gets done. There are always interests that might get trampled upon [and no elected politician would wish to make permanent enemies by trampling upon others' interests].” quote by Edward De Bono](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d9d/edward-de-bono-2489_democracy_democracy-is-an-excellent-way-of-ensurin_2518854.jpg)
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