Democracy Quote by Walter Lippmann
![“These various remedies, eugenic, educational, ethical, populist and socialist, all assume that either the voters are inherently competent to direct the course of affairs or that they are making progress towards such an ideal. I think [democracy] is a false ideal.” quote by Walter Lippmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/908/walter-lippmann-1083_democracy_these-various-remedies-eugenic-education_1303423.jpg)
““These various remedies, eugenic, educational, ethical, populist and socialist, all assume that either the voters are inherently competent to direct the course of affairs or that they are making progress towards such an ideal. I think [democracy] is a false ideal.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Public Opinion, Walter Lippmann, 1922
Democracy is portrayed as an ideal assuming voter competence, but the author sees it as unrealistic.
In simple terms: Democracy may be an unrealistic ideal.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumptions behind democratic ideals.
Themes
politics
democracy
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- citizen engagement
- educational reform
- political activism
Key Concepts
social contract
voter competence
ideological critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports or refutes the competence of voters?
- How can societies improve decision‑making without idealizing democracy?
A Different Perspective
Democracy can overlook systemic inequalities and misinformation.
![“Democracy is an excellent way of ensuring that nothing much gets done. There are always interests that might get trampled upon [and no elected politician would wish to make permanent enemies by trampling upon others' interests].” quote by Edward De Bono](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d9d/edward-de-bono-2489_democracy_democracy-is-an-excellent-way-of-ensurin_2518854.jpg)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
