Civic virtue Quote by Thomas M. Nichols
““Experts need to remember, always, that they are the servants and not the masters of a democratic society and a republican government. If citizens, however, are to be the masters, they must equip themselves not just with education, but with the kind of civic virtue that keeps them involved in the running of their own country. Laypeople cannot do without experts, and they must accept this reality without rancor. Experts, likewise, must accept that their advice, which might seem obvious and right to them, will not always be taken in a democracy that may not value the same things they do. Otherwise, when democracy is understood as an unending demand for unearned respect for unfounded opinions, anything and everything becomes possible, including the end of democracy and republican government itself.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Democracy, 2020
Experts should serve democracy, not dominate it; citizens must cultivate civic virtue and education to guide governance.
In simple terms: Experts serve, citizens lead with virtue.
Key Takeaway
Balance expertise with citizen participation.
Themes
democracy
citizen responsibility
expertise
civic virtue
government
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- public policy debates
- community forums
- education initiatives
Key Concepts
social contract
public deliberation
knowledge hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure expert input is respected without undermining democratic agency?
- What civic practices strengthen informed citizen involvement?
A Different Perspective
Experts may be ignored if advice clashes with popular values.
