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Full Idea
Democracy is but a name for the fact that human nature is developed only when its elements take part in directing things which are common, things for the sake of which men and women form groups.
Gist of Idea
Democracy is the development of human nature when it shares in the running of communal activities
Source
John Dewey (The Middle Works (15 vols, ed Boydston) [1910], 12:199), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 4 'Democracy'
Book Ref
Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.121
A Reaction
It is hard to prove that human nature develops when it particpates in groups. If people are excluded from power, their loyalty tends to switch to sub-groups, such as friends in a pub, or a football team. Powerless nationalists baffle me.
| 22871 | The good people are those who improve; the bad are those who deteriorate [Dewey] |
| 22876 | Democracy is the development of human nature when it shares in the running of communal activities [Dewey] |
| 22865 | Habits constitute the self [Dewey] |
| 22874 | Individuality is only developed within groups [Dewey] |
| 22868 | The value and truth of knowledge are measured by success in activity [Dewey] |
| 22875 | Democracy is not just a form of government; it is a mode of shared living [Dewey] |