Single Idea 23166

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / f. Against democracy]

Full Idea

In a democracy you have a 20 millionth share in the government of others, but only a 20 millionth share in the government of yourself. You are therefore much more conscious of being governed than of governing.

Gist of Idea

In democracy we are more aware of being governed than of our tiny share in government

Source

Bertrand Russell (Authority and the Individual [1949], 5)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Authority and the Individual' [Unwin 1977], p.75


A Reaction

Nice. Add to that the fact that your share in governing others only occurs at election time. In between we are powerless spectators, but we are still governed.