--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Historically, it is traditional and…" description: "\"“Historically, it is traditional and habitual for us to be inadequately prepared. This is the combined result of a number factors, the character of whi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d4/ernest-king-74209_cause-and-effect_historically-it-is-traditional-and-habit_3044899.jpg" --- # Historically, it is traditional and habitual for us to be… ![“Historically, it is traditional and habitual for us to be inadequately prepared. This is the combined result of a number factors, the character of which is only indicated: democracy, which tends to make everyone believe that he knows it all; the preponderance, inherent in democracy, of people…” quote by Ernest King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d4/ernest-king-74209_cause-and-effect_historically-it-is-traditional-and-habit_3044899.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d4/ernest-king-74209_cause-and-effect_historically-it-is-traditional-and-habit_3044899.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d4/ernest-king-74209_cause-and-effect_historically-it-is-traditional-and-habit_3044899.jpg) > ““Historically, it is traditional and habitual for us to be inadequately prepared. This is the combined result of a number factors, the character of which is only indicated: democracy, which tends to make everyone believe that he knows it all; the preponderance, inherent in democracy, of people whose real interest is in their own welfare as individuals; the glorification of our own victories in war and the corresponding ignorance of our defeats—and disgraces—and of their basic causes; the inability of the average individual to understand the cause and effect not only in foreign but domestic affairs, as well as his lack of interest in such matters. Added to these elements is the manner in which our representative form of government has developed as to put a premium on mediocrity and to emphasize the defects of the electorate already mentioned”” Ernest King ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Democracy can breed complacency, self‑interest, and a lack of deep understanding, leading to poor preparation. **In simple terms:** Democracy may cause shallow knowledge and poor readiness. Key Takeaway Encourage critical thinking and accountability. Themes democracy education leadership responsibility Mood critical reflective Type philosophical political When to use this quote - policy making - public education - media literacy Key Concepts political theory civic engagement Questions to Reflect On - How can societies balance democracy with informed decision‑making? - What role should expertise play in governance? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on democracy can ignore expertise. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cause and effect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cause-and-effect/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [Democracy for us tends to be has to do with who shouts the loudest!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-hook/democracy-for-us-tends-to-be-has-to-do-with-who-shouts-the-loudest/) [Peter Hook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-hook/) > [There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carlisle-floyd/there-is-something-inherent-in-our-democracy-that-tends-to-want-to/) [Carlisle Floyd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carlisle-floyd/) > [Democracy tends to be a collaborative process, a committee, a consensus. 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