Democracy Quote by James Russell Lowell
“Democracy is nothing more than an experiment in government, more likely to succeed in a new soil, but likely to be tried in all soils, which must stand or fall on its own merits as others have done before it. For there is no trick of perpetual motion in politics any more than in mechanics.”
About This Quote
Democracy is an experimental system that works best in suitable conditions and cannot rely on perpetual motion.
In simple terms: Democracy is experimental, needing the right environment.
Key Takeaway
Test democratic ideas in supportive contexts.
Themes
politics
experimentation
government
soil
merits
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- civic education
- community building
Key Concepts
systems theory
political philosophy
environmental fit
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions make democracy thrive?
- How to avoid perpetual motion fallacy?
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