Democracy Quote by Yuval Noah Harari
““People feel bound by democratic elections only when they share a basic bond with most other voters. If the experience of other voters is alien to me, and if I believe they don’t understand my feelings and don’t care about my vital interests, then even if I am outvoted by a hundred to one, I have absolutely no reason to accept the verdict. Democratic elections usually work only within populations that have some prior common bond, such as shared religious beliefs and national myths. They are a method to settle disagreements between people who already agree on the basics.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari, 2015
Democratic legitimacy depends on a shared sense of identity; without it, people reject electoral outcomes even if they are outvoted.
In simple terms: People accept elections when they feel connected to others.
Key Takeaway
Build common ground before voting.
Themes
democracy
identity
legitimacy
social cohesion
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- national elections
- community meetings
- policy referendums
- multicultural societies
Key Concepts
social contract
political psychology
group identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster a sense of shared identity without suppressing diversity?
- What mechanisms can increase trust in electoral outcomes?
A Different Perspective
If groups lack a shared bond, elections may exacerbate division rather than resolve it.
![“People feel bound by democratic elections only when they share a basic bond with most other voters. [...] Democratic elections usually work only within populations that have done prior common bond, such as shared religious beliefs and national myths.” quote by Yuval Noah Harari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f26/yuval-noah-harari-100_democracy_people-feel-bound-by-democratic-election_2168105.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)
