Tomas G. Masaryk Quotes

In democracies the people seem to act as they please.

The real strength of the democratic theory in opposition to the fascist or communist is that the fascist frankly states that certain people will tell other people what they shall do to be happy, and those other people have little or nothing to say about it. In theory the communists were to do everything in common, in practice a small group there also tells other people what they shall do to achieve their objectives. So far more nearly than any other form of government, the democratic form has allowed people to shape their own government

Let's face it: however old-fashioned and out of date and devaluated the word is, we like the way of living provided by democracy.

Democracy is not a mathematical deduction proved once and for all time. Democracy is a just faith fervently held, commitment to be tested again and again in the fiery furnace of history.

Democracy, once unleashed, is a pretty powerful force.

The great postulate of our democracy is confidence in the common sense of the people and in their maturity of judgment, even on great issues—once they know the facts.

In a democracy we assume that people can define their own interest and vote that way.

I think democracy is a universal idea and I think letting people rule themselves happens to be something that serves America and America’s interests.

Democracy alone, of all forms of government, enlists the full force of men's enlightened will.

Democracy can be noisy and messy. But it works.

In democracy dissent is an act of faith. Like medicine, the test of its value is not its taste, but its effect,...

The primal principle of democracy is the worth and dignity of the individual.

We should never take democracy for granted. Democracy can emerge and develop, but it can also decay.

Everybody now seems to be talking about democracy. I don't understand this. As I think of it, democracy isn't like a Sunday suit to be brought out and worn only for parades. It's the kind of a life a decent man leads, it's something to live for and to die for.

In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.

Democracy is the form of government that gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.

Democracy is an extraordinary adventure. It's difficult, full of daring and risk and danger. But it's the greatest gift we have.

And that is my definition of democracy, the right to be in a minority and not be suppressed.

Democracy literally means the power of people. Democracy is not about politics, it is about the people.

Too many people expect wonders from democracy, when the most wonderful thing of all is just having it.

My message is that Democracy is not an alien invention. It is a way of solving problems in our society.

The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid.

The basis of a democratic state is liberty.

The freedom to persuade and suggest is the essence of the democratic process.