Absurdity Quote by Thucydides
“As for democracy, the men of sense among us knew what it was, and I perhaps as well as any, as I have more cause to complain of it; but there is nothing new to be said of a patent absurdity-meanwhile we did not think it safe to alter it under the pressure of your hostility.”
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: History of the Peloponnesian War, Book 1, 5th century BC
He critiques democracy as a flawed system that people accept despite its absurdities, fearing change under hostile pressure.
In simple terms: Democracy is seen as absurd but accepted due to fear of change.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind accepted systems.
Themes
politics
philosophy
history
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- organizational reform
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
democratic theory
cognitive bias
social conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of democracy work well?
- How can we improve it without destabilizing society?
A Different Perspective
Democracy may have merits despite its flaws.
