Civil society Quote by Paddy Ashdown
“The greatest failure is that although we have created institutions, we have not created a civil society.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Commons, 1998
Institutions exist but lack a supportive civil society, limiting their effectiveness.
In simple terms: Institutions need a strong civil society.
Key Takeaway
Build community engagement alongside institutions.
Themes
civic engagement
institutional design
social capital
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community organizing
- NGO work
- urban planning
Key Concepts
democracy
social cohesion
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster civil society in modern democracies?
- What role do citizens play in strengthening institutions?
A Different Perspective
Even with institutions, without social trust, outcomes falter.
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