Able Quote by L. Neil Smith
“[N]o one's ever been able to show me any difference between democracy and brute force. It's just a majority ganging up on a minority with the minority giving in to avoid getting massacred.”
About This Quote
Democracy is majority rule that can become oppression when the majority forces the minority to submit.
In simple terms: Majority rule can turn into oppression.
Beware of majority tyranny.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- activism
- civil rights movements
- community decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions protect minorities from majority oppression?
- What safeguards ensure fair majority rule?
Majority rule can also protect minorities when safeguards exist.