Single Idea 7243

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / b. Consultation]

Full Idea

The silence of the people permits the assumption that the people consents.

Gist of Idea

Silence of the people implies their consent

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], II.01)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Social Contract', ed/tr. Cranston,Maurice [Penguin 1972], p.70


A Reaction

This seems to me a crucial principle for a democracy, because it says that the democratic way of life is much more than elections. Each citizen has a duty to bravely speak out; the more citizens willing to do this, the less bravery is required.