Leo Strauss on democracy

It is of the essence of traditions that they cover or conceal their humble foundations by erecting impressive edifices on them.

It is as absurd to expect members of philosophy departments to be philosophers as it is to expect members of art departments to be artists.

Liberal education is the ladder by which we try to ascend from mass democracy to democracy as originally meant.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.

It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.

Winston Churchill1874–1965Speech in the House of Commons (11 November 1947), published in 206–07 The Official Report, House of Commons (5th Series), 11 November 1947, vol. 444, cc.