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Henry David Thoreau1817–1862

A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority. There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men.

Henry David Thoreau on democracy

Civil Disobedience (1849)

Read it in context

Democracy Wisdom

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More from Henry David Thoreau

I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Walden (1854), p. 364In context
- Motivation & Goals
To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts; but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates.
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We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal, and then leap in the dark to our success.
Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations (1989), Author unknown; attributed to Henry David Thoreau, but not found in his works.
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All 81 quotes from Henry David Thoreau

More about democracy

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
?UnattributedOften credited to Benjamin Franklin
The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.
?UnattributedOften credited to Winston Churchill
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.

All 108 quotes about democracy