I do not say that democracy has been more pernicious on the whole, and in the long run, than monarchy and aristocracy. Democracy has never been and never can be so durable as aristocracy or monarchy; but while it lasts, it is more bloody than either... Democracy never last long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in men, under all forms of simple government and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence, and cruelty. When clear prospects are opened before VANITY, pride, avarice, or ambition, for their easy gratification, it is hard for the most considerate philosophers and the most conscentious moralists to resist the temptation. Indiviuals have conquered themselves. Nations and large bodies of men, Never!
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:10:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015