Ambition Quote by Fisher Ames
“A government by the passions of the multitude, or, no less correctly, according to the vices, and ambitions of their leaders is a democracy.”
About This Quote
Democracy is portrayed as a system driven by the masses' emotions and leaders' flaws, implying it can devolve into mob rule.
In simple terms: Democracy can become mob rule.
Key Takeaway
Power can be swayed by passion and vice.
Themes
political theory
democracy
leadership
mass psychology
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
maxim
observation
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- civic education
- political campaigns
- media analysis
Key Concepts
governance
human nature
authority
Practical Applications
- critical essays on governance
- civic literacy curricula
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions guard against emotional manipulation?
- What safeguards protect against leaders' ambitions?
![“[Why] should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the Sacred Book that is thus early impressed lasts long; and probably if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.” quote by Fisher Ames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef1/fisher-ames-19639_bible_why-should-not-the-bible-regain-the-plac_1033233.jpg)
