“If I am asked, What do you propose to substitute for universal suffrage? Practically, What have you to recommend? I answer at once, Nothing. The whole current of thought and feeling, the whole stream of human affairs, is setting with irresistible force in that direction. The old ways of living, many of which were just as bad in their time as any of our devices can be in ours, are breaking down all over Europe, and are floating this way and that like haycocks in a flood. Nor do I see why any wise man should expend much thought or trouble on trying to save their wrecks. The waters are out and no human force can turn them back, but I do not see why as we go with the stream we need sing Hallelujah to the river god.” LibertyDemocracySuffrageVoting Rights Author:James Fitzjames Stephen
“The result of cutting [political power] up into little bits is simply that the man who can sweep the greatest number into one heap will govern the rest... In a pure democracy the ruling men will be the wirepullers and their friends; but they will no more be on an equality with the voters than soldiers of Ministers of State are on an equality with the subjects of monarchy.” MenLittlesStatesPoliticalBitsResultsNumbersDemocracyCuttingSubjectsHe ManPureLittle BitSoldierMinistersVotersRulingMonarchyPolitical Power Book:Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Source: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
“Parliamentary government is simply a mild and disguised form of compulsion. We agree to try strength by counting heads instead of breaking heads, but the principle is exactly the same... The minority gives way not because it is convinced that it is wrong, but because it is convinced that it is a minority.” WayGivingTryingGovernmentFormPrinciplesDemocracyAgreeConvincedMinoritiesCompulsionCountingParliamentaryParliamentary Government Book:Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: And Three Brief Essays Source: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: And Three Brief Essays
