Mohsin Hamid Quotes

The most important political office is that of the private citizen.

I always preach that you have to be active as a citizen no matter what, and some people just voting as an excuse not to do anything.

As a citizen of a community, if you never vote or engage, don't be surprised when the outcome doesn't serve your interests; you've never done anything to push things in the right direction.

I think it doesn't actually matter what your political persuasion is, but if you are interested in the country that you live in and the way in which it's run, everyone has to do something about that.

But, you know, I'm sorry, I think democracy requires participation. I mean, I don't want to proselytize but I do feel some sort of duty to participate in the process in some way other than just blindly getting behind a political party.

Growing up, when we would get dragged to these events, I didn't want to be there. Over time, as we got older, I developed a real appreciation of the importance of being involved in the democratic process.

I just want people to know that if they want to change the direction of the country, they can do it, but only if they're active, informed, and engaged.

There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.

As a citizen, you need to know how to be a part of it, how to express yourself - and not just by voting.

I encourage everyone out there to get involved.

The first duty of an American citizen, then is that he shall work in politics.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

For America to work, Americans have to participate. If they don’t pay attention, they’re going to get screwed.

Political action is the highest responsibility of a citizen.

Citizens are refined, cultivated, and very political. I believe in the legitimacy of their participation.

We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say that he has no business here at all.

We are not exercising our democratic rights properly. We need to stop looking for solutions in others.

I'm a citizen in a democracy. To call me an activist would be redundant. It's not a spectator sport. If we all become non-participants, it no longer works.

Good citizenship and defending democracy means living up to the ideals and values that make this country great.

Sitting out of politics isn't really an option if you don't want things to slide.

The job of a citizen is to keep his mouth open.

I don't think there was really a time when I have not been politically aware.

Only a knowledgeable, empowered and vocal citizenry can perform well in democracy.

Our democracy is not something to be taken for granted. You have to fight for it. You have to commit yourself to working for it - for the long haul.

Democracy is interactive... It's a constant job of information, education, explanation, listening, and interactive communication.