Single Idea 19990

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 2. Political equality]

Full Idea

Democracy is corrupted in two ways: when it loses the spirit of equality, and when the spirit of equality becomes extreme, that is, when everyone wishes to be the equal of those he has chosen to command him.

Gist of Idea

Democracy is corrupted by lack of equality, or by extreme equality (between rulers and ruled)

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 08.02)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.161


A Reaction

The latter seems to be what happens when a referendum is called (as in Brexit 2016). The winners come to despise the elected representatives, if the latter disagree with the outcome.