Accompany Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“All voting is a sort of gaming, like checkers or backgammon, with a slight moral tinge to it, a playing with right and wrong, with moral questions; and betting naturally accompanies it. The character of the voters is not staked. I cast my vote, perchance, as I think right; but I am not vitally concerned that right should prevail. I am willing to leave it to the majority.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Civil Disobedience", 1849
Voting is a strategic game with moral stakes, yet many treat it casually, ignoring deeper ethical implications.
In simple terms: Voting is a moral game often taken lightly.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethical weight of each vote.
Themes
politics
ethics
democracy
citizen responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- community meetings
- activism
Key Concepts
social contract
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your vote reflect your values?
- What moral principles guide your political choices?
A Different Perspective
Voter apathy can undermine democratic outcomes.
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