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About this quote

What does it mean?
Democracy needs criticism to thrive; government needs dissent to function properly.
In plain terms
Criticism helps democracy; dissent helps government work.
What can you take from it?
Encourage open critique for healthy governance.

Where it applies

  • legislative debates
  • public forums
  • media commentary

Putting it to work

  • protect free speech
  • allow opposition voices

Questions to consider

  • What limits should be placed on dissent?
  • How does criticism improve policy?

Another view

Too much dissent can stall decision‑making.

More from Henry Steele Commager

  1. 'Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism s…

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  2. 'Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants a…

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  3. American historian and teacher--born Oct. 25, 1902, Pittsburgh, Pa. Died March 2, 1998, Amherst, Mass.,

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