Not only does democracy make every man forget his ancestors, but also clouds their view of their descendants and isolates them from their contemporaries. Each man is for ever thrown back on himself alone, and there is danger that he may be shut up in the solitude of his own heart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Democracy can isolate individuals by focusing attention on the present self, weakening ties to past and future generations.
- In plain terms
- Democratic societies may make people focus only on themselves, cutting them off from family and community.
- What can you take from it?
- Build connections across generations to avoid isolation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How connected do you feel to your ancestors?
- What ties bind you to future generations?
Another view
Democracy can also foster new forms of community and connection.
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