If a [democratic] society displays less brilliance than an aristocracy, there will also be less wretchedness; pleasures will be less outrageous and wellbeing will be shared by all; the sciences will be on a smaller scale but ignorance will be less common; opinions will be less vigorous and habits gentler; you will notice more vices and fewer crimes.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It contrasts democracy with aristocracy, noting democracy brings more shared wellbeing but less brilliance.
- In plain terms
- Democracy offers more happiness for everyone but less extreme achievement or vice.
- What can you take from it?
- Average comfort may outweigh elite excellence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is shared wellbeing worth less brilliance?
- How do you define a good society?
Another view
It romanticizes democracy while downplaying its capacity for brilliance.
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