--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In the strict sense of the term, a true…" description: "\"“In the strict sense of the term, a true democracy has never existed, and never will exist. It is against natural order that the great number should go..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/jean-jacques-rousseau-2-23802_democracy_in-the-strict-sense-of-the-term-a-true-d_630331.jpg" --- # In the strict sense of the term, a true democracy has… ![“In the strict sense of the term, a true democracy has never existed, and never will exist. It is against natural order that the great number should govern and that the few should be governed.” quote by Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/jean-jacques-rousseau-2-23802_democracy_in-the-strict-sense-of-the-term-a-true-d_630331.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/jean-jacques-rousseau-2-23802_democracy_in-the-strict-sense-of-the-term-a-true-d_630331.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/588/jean-jacques-rousseau-2-23802_democracy_in-the-strict-sense-of-the-term-a-true-d_630331.jpg) > ““In the strict sense of the term, a true democracy has never existed, and never will exist. It is against natural order that the great number should govern and that the few should be governed.”” [Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-jacques-rousseau-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True democracy is unattainable; natural order opposes majority rule over the few. **In simple terms:** Pure democracy never truly exists. Key Takeaway Question the feasibility of mass governance. Themes politics philosophy governance Mood critical philosophical Type theoretical political When to use this quote - government policy - public debate - citizen participation Key Concepts social contract natural law majority rule Questions to Reflect On - Is any system truly democratic? - What balances majority and minority rights? 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