 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
[What are two great merits of democracy? ]
Democracy was invented as a device for reconciling government with liberty. It is clear that government is necessary if anything worthy to be called civilization is to exist, but all history shows that any set of men entrusted with power over another set will abuse their power if they can do so with impunity. Democracy is intended to make men's tenure of power temporary and dependent upon popular approval. Insofar as it achieves this it prevents the worst abuses of power.
Source: Unpopular Essays, 1950, chapter 7: An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish
More info.: Not available