Culture Quote by Dag Solstad
““And so, when the chips are down, I must say, though not without a sense of repugnance, that if you wish to show your belief in democracy, you also have to do so when you are in the minority, convinced both intellectually and, not least, in your innermost self, that the majority, in the name of democracy, is crushing everything you stand for and that means something to you, indeed, all that gives you the strength to endure, well, that gives a kind of meaning to your life, something that transcends your own fortuitous lot, one might say. When the heralds of democracy roar, triumphantly bawling out their vulgar victories day after day so that it really makes you suffer, as in my own case, you still have to accept it; I will not let anything else be said about me, he thought.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: 9, 1999
Democracy demands supporting its ideals even when unpopular, finding meaning in resisting majority oppression.
In simple terms: Stand for beliefs even when few agree.
Key Takeaway
Find purpose in defending principles against majority pressure.
Themes
civic duty
minority voice
resilience
meaning
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political protests
- ethical dilemmas
- personal crises
Key Concepts
political integrity
personal conviction
existential purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- What values sustain you in minority?
- How do you balance personal cost?
A Different Perspective
Risk of alienation or burnout.
![“I am a democrat [proponent of democracy] because I believe in the Fall of Man. I think most people are democrats for the opposite reason. A great deal of democratic enthusiasm descends from the ideas of people like Rousseau, who believed in democracy because they thought mankind so wise and good…” quote by C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/655/c-s-lewis-121_cs-lewis_i-am-a-democrat-proponent-of-democracy-b_140004.jpg)
