--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is probable that democracy owes more…" description: "\"It is probable that democracy owes more to nonconformity than to any other single movement.\" — R. H. Tawney" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/r-h-tawney-25650_democracy_it-is-probable-that-democracy-owes-more_1137090.jpg" --- # It is probable that democracy owes more to nonconformity… ![“It is probable that democracy owes more to nonconformity than to any other single movement.” quote by R. H. Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/r-h-tawney-25650_democracy_it-is-probable-that-democracy-owes-more_1137090.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/r-h-tawney-25650_democracy_it-is-probable-that-democracy-owes-more_1137090.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b9e/r-h-tawney-25650_democracy_it-is-probable-that-democracy-owes-more_1137090.jpg) > “It is probable that democracy owes more to nonconformity than to any other single movement.” [R. H. Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-h-tawney/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that nonconformity drives democratic progress more than any single movement, emphasizing individual dissent. **In simple terms:** Nonconformists fuel democracy more than organized movements. Key Takeaway Encourage independent thinking for democratic health. Themes democracy individualism progress Mood thoughtful analytical Type political philosophical When to use this quote - activism - education - policy making - community organizing Key Concepts political theory social change Questions to Reflect On - How does nonconformity shape policy? - What balance between dissent and unity is needed? 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Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-h-tawney/) > [When men have gone so far as to talk as though their idols have come to life, it is time that someone broke them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-h-tawney/when-men-have-gone-so-far-as-to-talk-as-though-their-idols-have-come/) [R. H. Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-h-tawney/) > [One of the main truths of all education is that if the young are not always right, the old are always wrong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-h-tawney/one-of-the-main-truths-of-all-education-is-that-if-the-young-are-not/) [R. H. Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-h-tawney/) > [Bankruptcies of governments have, on the whole, done less harm to mankind than their ability to raise loans.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-h-tawney/bankruptcies-of-governments-have-on-the-whole-done-less-harm-to/) [R. H. Tawney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-h-tawney/) [Explore all 22 R. H. 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