Democracy Quote by Plutarch
“Lycurgus being asked why he, who in other respects appeared to be so zealous for the equal rights of men, did not make his government democratical rather than oligarchical, "Go you," replied the legislator, "and try a democracy in your own house.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Parallel Lives, Plutarch, c. 100 AD
Lycurgus challenges personal practice over abstract ideals, implying democracy must be tested at home first.
In simple terms: Test democracy in your own life before demanding it elsewhere.
Start applying democratic principles personally.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family decisions
- community meetings
- local governance
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you model democratic values in daily interactions?
- What obstacles arise when applying political ideals at home?
Idealistic expectations may ignore systemic constraints.