History is not always kind to those who sit at her feet. John and John Quincy Adams
bear witness to the subtle swords of those who adore "aristocracy" and those who adore "democracy."
The Adamses were students of human psychology. In their wide travels
through Europe they observed the abuses brought on by monarchy. But they
also saw fundamental flaws in the quasi-religious adoration of the
spirit of democracy....
While humans remained subject to their passions, positive outcomes were never ensured.
This is dangerous territory – after all, no one wants to be told that
the dynamic story of the rise of democracy is an exercise in mass
self-delusion.
The article is longish and requires thought, but perhaps it is worth it in the current climate.
Good article.
ReplyDeleteMight read the book from which the article was essentially an excerpt.
It is my sincere wish that one day it will be commonly understood what the ancient Greeks considered a democracy.
In the meantime see
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-greece/ancient-greece-democracy
Hint out of 100,000 only about 10% could vote.
Dictionary definitions of democracy?
Hah!
If we had such a democracy it’s unlikely Trump would be a leader of anything.