The greatest threat to our [democratic] experiment will not come from those who would openly oppose us, but those who will silently follow us.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The biggest danger to democracy comes not from open opponents but from silent supporters who go along without questioning.
- In plain terms
- Quiet followers can harm democracy more than vocal critics.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay vigilant about who is passively supporting a system.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you identify silent supporters?
- What mechanisms can counteract passive compliance?
Another view
It may underestimate the influence of active opposition.
More from Thomas Paine
It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government.
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