Democracy Quote by C.S. Lewis
![“The "democratic spirit"... [or the campaign to make everyone the same] leads to a nation without great men, a nation mainly of subliterates, full of the cocksureness which flattery breeds on ignorance, and quick to snarl or whimper at the first hint of criticism.” quote by C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7cd/c-s-lewis-121_democracy_the-democratic-spirit-or-the-campaign-to_970335.jpg)
““The "democratic spirit"... [or the campaign to make everyone the same] leads to a nation without great men, a nation mainly of subliterates, full of the cocksureness which flattery breeds on ignorance, and quick to snarl or whimper at the first hint of criticism.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Democratic Spirit,” 1945
Lewis warns that enforced uniformity suppresses exceptional individuals, creating a populace of mediocrity driven by flattery and fear of criticism.
In simple terms: Uniformity kills greatness, leading to mediocrity and fear of critique.
Key Takeaway
Encourage diverse thought and protect dissent.
Themes
society
individualism
education
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
philosophical
political essay
When to use this quote
- public policy
- school curricula
- media discourse
- leadership training
Key Concepts
democracy
conformity
intellectual freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies value both equality and excellence?
- What safeguards protect critical voices?
A Different Perspective
May overlook benefits of social equality and shared standards.
![“One reason--perhaps the chief--of the virility of the Roosevelts is [their] very democratic spirit. They have never felt that because they were born in a good position they could put their hands in their pockets and succeed. They have felt, rather, that being born in a good position, there is no…” quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f7c/franklin-d-roosevelt-488_born_one-reason-perhaps-the-chief-of-the-viri_298705.jpg)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
