“Surely the Board knows what democracy is. It is the line that forms on the right. It is the don’t in Don’t Shove. It is the hole in the stuffed shirt through which the sawdust slowly trickles; it is the dent in the high hat. Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half the people are right more than half the time. It is the feeling of privacy in the voting booths, the feeling of communion in the libraries, the feeling of vitality everywhere. Democracy is the score at the beginning of the ninth. It is an idea which hasn’t been disproved yet, a song the words of which have not gone bad. It’s the mustard on the hot dog and the cream in the rationed coffee. Democracy is a request from a War Board, in the middle of a morning in the middle of a war, wanting to know what democracy is.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by E. B. White, the author eloquently describes democracy as a concept that is ingrained in the fabric of society. White uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the essence of democracy - from the line that forms on the right, to the feeling of vitality everywhere. He emphasizes the fundamental principles of democracy, such as the right to privacy in voting booths and the sense of communion in libraries. White underscores the resilience of democracy, noting that it is an idea that has not been disproved yet. Overall, the quote captures the essence of democracy as a unifying force that empowers individuals and fosters a sense of community and freedom.
Modern Relevance of E. B. White's Definition of Democracy
E. B. White's insightful and poetic description of democracy still holds true in the modern context. In today's world, democracy continues to be a vital and cherished ideal, reflecting the collective wisdom and power of the people. From the privacy of voting booths to the vitality felt in communities, democracy remains a cornerstone of society.
Examples of Usage
An example of E. B. White's insightful reflection on democracy can be found in his quote, "Democracy is the score at the beginning of the ninth. It is an idea which hasn’t been disproved yet, a song the words of which have not gone bad." This encapsulates the enduring belief in the power and potential of democracy to uphold justice and equality.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by E. B. White, the concept of democracy is explored in a creative and thought-provoking way. Here are some questions to ponder about the meaning of democracy:
What do you think E. B. White is trying to convey about democracy through his use of imagery and metaphors in this quote?
How does this quote challenge your understanding of democracy and its significance in society?
Do you agree with White's assertion that democracy is a constantly evolving and unproven idea? Why or why not?
How do you personally experience democracy in your everyday life, as described in the quote?
How might this quote inspire you to be more engaged in democratic processes and values in your community?
Similar quotes
“Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.”
“Democracy is not freedom. Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to eat for lunch. Freedom comes from the recognition of certain rights which may not be taken, not even by a 99% vote.”
“Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.”
“Gandhi is the other person. I believe Gandhi is the only person who knew about real democracy — not democracy as the right to go and buy what you want, but democracy as the responsibility to be accountable to everyone around you. Democracy begins with freedom from hunger, freedom from unemployment, freedom from fear, and freedom from hatred. To me, those are the real freedoms on the basis of which good human societies are based.”
“People use democracy as a free-floating abstraction disconnected from reality. Democracy in and of itself is not necessarily good. Gang rape, after all, is democracy in action.All men have the right to live their own life. Democracy must be rooted in a rational philosophy that first and foremost recognizes the right of an individual. A few million Imperial Order men screaming for the lives of a much smaller number of people in the New World may win a democratic vote, but it does not give them the right to those lives, or make their calls for such killing right.Democracy is not a synonym for justice or for freedom. Democracy is not a sacred right sanctifying mob rule. Democracy is a principle that is subordinate to the inalienable rights of the individual.”