--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The natural tendency of representative…" description: "\"The natural tendency of representative government, as of modern civilisation, is towards collective mediocrity: and this tendency is increased by all r..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/john-stuart-mill-477_civilisation_the-natural-tendency-of-representative-g_2603672.png" --- # The natural tendency of representative government, as of… ![“The natural tendency of representative government, as of modern civilisation, is towards collective mediocrity: and this tendency is increased by all reductions and extensions of the franchise, their effect being to place the principal power in the hands of classes more and more below the highest…” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/john-stuart-mill-477_civilisation_the-natural-tendency-of-representative-g_2603672.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/john-stuart-mill-477_civilisation_the-natural-tendency-of-representative-g_2603672.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea8/john-stuart-mill-477_civilisation_the-natural-tendency-of-representative-g_2603672.png) > “The natural tendency of representative government, as of modern civilisation, is towards collective mediocrity: and this tendency is increased by all reductions and extensions of the franchise, their effect being to place the principal power in the hands of classes more and more below the highest level of instruction in the community.” [John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Representative government tends toward mediocrity, especially when voting power expands to less educated classes. **In simple terms:** Broad franchise can lower decision quality. Key Takeaway Balance inclusion with education. Themes politics democracy education class representation Mood thoughtful concerned Type philosophical political When to use this quote - elections - policy debates - civic education - voting reforms Key Concepts collective decision making political theory social stratification Questions to Reflect On - What safeguards improve informed voting? - How to mitigate mediocrity in large electorates? 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