Achievement Quote by David Frum
“Democracy takes work. That's the thing we're really finding out, that, you know, in many ways, you know, the past two decades we've taken for granted all of the extraordinary achievements of the post-war generation. You know, building this global alliance structure that has kept the peace across the North Atlantic since World War II. Building all of these institutions, building all this remarkable technology. And people have privatized. You know, you can now, you don't have to go outdoors much, the whole world comes to you.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Right Side of History, 2016
Democracy requires ongoing effort; past achievements are at risk without active participation.
In simple terms: Democracy needs work and vigilance.
Key Takeaway
Stay informed and vote responsibly.
Themes
democracy
civic duty
history
institution building
Mood
optimistic
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- elections
- civic education
- public debate
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
social contract
collective responsibility
institutional trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens sustain democratic institutions?
- What role does technology play?
A Different Perspective
Complacency can erode democratic gains.
![“Democracy doesn't work unless people are well informed, and I don't know that we are. People just don't have the time. Most people's daily lives are just about surviving. Most people don't have time to really study [crucial] issues.” quote by Brad Pitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ba/brad-pitt-1608_crucial_democracy-doesn-t-work-unless-people-are_1220444.jpg)
![“[democrats] hated Richard Nixon, and no wonder. It was Nixon who sent Alger Hiss to jail, and Nixon who waged the Vietnam War after the Democrats gave up,” quote by David Frum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/63d/david-frum-3455_democracy_democrats-hated-richard-nixon-and-no-won_232462.jpg)
