Decision by majorities is as much an expedient as lighting by gas.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Gladstone compares majority rule to a utilitarian tool like gas lighting, suggesting it is a practical expedient rather than a moral truth.
- In plain terms
- Majority votes are just a practical tool like gas, not a deep truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Treat democracy as a practical solution.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is democracy a tool or a right?
- When should expedients be used?
Another view
Majority rule may still hold moral weight beyond mere utility.
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