Dangerous Quote by Ludwig Lewisohn
“Democracy, which began by liberating man politically, has developed a dangerous tendency to enslave him through the tyranny of majorities and the deadly power of their opinion.”
About This Quote
Democracy can paradoxically constrain individuals by imposing majority opinion as a new form of tyranny.
In simple terms: Majorities can become oppressive.
Beware of majority rule becoming tyranny.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- elections
- public policy debates
- social movements
- media discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you felt silenced by popular opinion?
- How can dissent be protected in a democracy?
Majorities also protect minorities; not all opinions are tyrannical.