Bits Quote by James Fitzjames Stephen
![“The result of cutting [political power] up into little bits is simply that the man who can sweep the greatest number into one heap will govern the rest... In a pure democracy the ruling men will be the wirepullers and their friends; but they will no more be on an equality with the voters than…” quote by James Fitzjames Stephen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/798/james-fitzjames-stephen-29299_bits_the-result-of-cutting-political-power-up_2424141.jpg)
“The result of cutting [political power] up into little bits is simply that the man who can sweep the greatest number into one heap will govern the rest... In a pure democracy the ruling men will be the wirepullers and their friends; but they will no more be on an equality with the voters than soldiers of Ministers of State are on an equality with the subjects of monarchy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, 1889
Dividing political power creates a dominant group that consolidates control, undermining true equality in democracy.
In simple terms: Power fragmentation leads to a ruling elite.
Key Takeaway
Prevent concentration of power to protect democratic equality.
Themes
politics
democracy
power
elitism
equality
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy making
- civic activism
- government reform
- media oversight
Key Concepts
centralization
pluralism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens ensure genuine equality?
- What mechanisms stop power consolidation?
A Different Perspective
Even with safeguards, elites can manipulate systems.
![“Too many in your state [Pennsylvania], as in this [New York], love pure democracy dearly. They seem not to consider that pure democracy, like pure rum, easily produces intoxication, and with it a thousand mad pranks and fooleries.” quote by John Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5f9/john-jay-31836_democracy_too-many-in-your-state-pennsylvania-as-i_2189878.jpg)
![“Brad [Dourif] would tell himself that he was not intentionally trying to mimic Jack Nicholson in any way. I think that actually bothers him a little bit. I just think maybe they have similar voices.” quote by David Kirschner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfe/david-kirschner-22403_bits_brad-dourif-would-tell-himself-that-he-w_478.jpg)
