Many Americans cannot define democracy; like the schoolboy when asked to define an elephant confessed he was unable to do so, but insisted he would recognize an elephant when he saw one.

The real danger of democracy is, that the classes which have the power under it will assume all the rights and reject all the duties – that is, that they will use the political power to plunder those-who-have.

Each generation must win democracy for itself. Many young persons wish they might have lived in the historic and courageous time of George Washington, for example, when there were victories to be made and real history written. On the contrary, there are just as big problems today, and every opportunity for development.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a democratic period is the taste that all men have for easy success and present enjoyment. This occurs in the pursuits of the intellect as well as in others.

The progress of democracy seems irresistible, because it is the most uniform, the most ancient and the most permanent tendency which is to be found in history.

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

The only thing wrong with democratic process is the failure to use it.

Democracy is ever eager for rapid progress, and the only progress which can be rapid is progress downhill.

Democracy is threatened by the inertia of good people, by the selfishness of most people, and by the evil designs of a few people.

Democracy and religion stand or fall together. Where democracy has been destroyed, religion has been doomed. Where religion has been trampled down, democracy has ceased to exist. Tyrants have come and have had their day and then have passed while religion has survived them all.