--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ..(T)here are two opposite reasons for…" description: "\"..(T)here are two opposite reasons for being a democrat. You may think all men so good that they deserve a share in the government of the commonwealth,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/c-s-lewis-2-132_advice_t-here-are-two-opposite-reasons-for-bein_840335.jpg" --- # ..(T)here are two opposite reasons for being a democrat… ![“..(T)here are two opposite reasons for being a democrat. You may think all men so good that they deserve a share in the government of the commonwealth, and so wise that the commonwealth needs their advice. That is, in my opinion, the false, romantic doctrine of democracy. On the other hand, you…” quote by C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/c-s-lewis-2-132_advice_t-here-are-two-opposite-reasons-for-bein_840335.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/c-s-lewis-2-132_advice_t-here-are-two-opposite-reasons-for-bein_840335.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/72f/c-s-lewis-2-132_advice_t-here-are-two-opposite-reasons-for-bein_840335.jpg) > “..(T)here are two opposite reasons for being a democrat. You may think all men so good that they deserve a share in the government of the commonwealth, and so wise that the commonwealth needs their advice. That is, in my opinion, the false, romantic doctrine of democracy. On the other hand, you may believe fallen men to be so wicked that not one of them can be trusted with any irresponsible power over his fellows.” [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Lewis critiques two extreme rationales for democracy: idealizing humanity as inherently good and wise, versus condemning humanity as wholly corrupt and untrustworthy, suggesting both are unrealistic. **In simple terms:** He argues that both overly optimistic and overly pessimistic views of democracy are flawed. Key Takeaway Seek a balanced view of human nature in governance. Themes politics human nature democracy philosophy Mood critical thought‑provoking Type political philosophical When to use this quote - voting decisions - policy debates - civic education - leadership selection Key Concepts idealism cynicism governance theory Questions to Reflect On - What assumptions do we make about voters? - How can institutions mitigate both optimism and pessimism? A Different Perspective Idealism may overlook systemic flaws; cynicism can erode trust. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Advice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advice/) [Commonwealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commonwealth/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Democrat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democrat/) [Doctrine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doctrine/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Opposites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opposites/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Two opposites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two-opposites/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) ## Related quotes > [“I believe in political equality. But there are two opposite reasons for being a democrat. 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It is possible…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/when-two-opposite-points-of-view-are-expressed-with-equal-intensity/) [Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/) ## More by C. S. Lewis > [One of our great allies at present is the Church itself. Do not misunderstand me. I do not mean the Church as we see…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis/one-of-our-great-allies-at-present-is-the-church-itself-do-not/) [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [Either Jesus is the Son of God ; or a madman or worse. But His being just a great teacher? He's not left that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis/either-jesus-is-the-son-of-god-or-a-madman-or-worse-but-his-being/) [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [To every soul, God will look like its first love because He IS its first love. 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Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [The first fact in the history of Christendom is a number of people who say they have seen the Resurrection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis/the-first-fact-in-the-history-of-christendom-is-a-number-of-people/) [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [I#pray because the need flows out of me all the time-walking and sleeping. It does not change # God - it changes me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis/i-pray-because-the-need-flows-out-of-me-all-the-time-walking-and/) [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) > [Are the gods not just?' 'Oh no, child. What would become us us if they were?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis/are-the-gods-not-just-oh-no-child-what-would-become-us-us-if-they-were/) [C. S. 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Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) [Explore all 1,190 C. S. Lewis quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) ## More Advice quotes > [The sensible person is always serious about sensible advice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mak-786/the-sensible-person-is-always-serious-about-sensible-advice/) Mak\_786 > [I ask for tips, for advice. What I have also learnt is that I need to do things that are good for me. 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