The conception that government should be guided by majority opinion makes sense only if that opinion is independent of government. The ideal of democracy rests on the belief that the view which will direct government emerges from an independent and spontaneous process. It requires, therefore, the existence of a large sphere independent of majority control in which the opinions of the individuals are formed.
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Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like read more
The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is, I think, the ultimate indignity to the democratic process.
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.
It is difficult to discern a serious threat to religious liberty from a room of silent, thoughtful schoolchildren.
Oh! Duty is an icy shadow. It will freeze you. It cannot fill the heart's sanctuary.
Oh! Duty is an icy shadow. It will freeze you. It cannot fill the heart's sanctuary.
Given that some social processes must convey inherent constraints, the choice is among various mixtures of persuasion, force, and cultural read more
Given that some social processes must convey inherent constraints, the choice is among various mixtures of persuasion, force, and cultural inducement. The less of one, the more of the others. The degree of freedom that is possible is therefore tied to the extent to which people respond to persuasion or inducement.
While technically I did not commit a crime, an impeachable offense... these are legalisms, as far as the handling of read more
While technically I did not commit a crime, an impeachable offense... these are legalisms, as far as the handling of this matter is concerned; it was so botched up, I made so many bad judgments. The worst ones, mistakes of the heart, rather than the head. But let me say, a man in that top job - he's got to have a heart, but his head must always rule his heart.
As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.
As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.
It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not read more
It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
