Quote by H. L. Mencken
Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard.
Summary
This quote by American journalist and satirist H.L. Mencken conveys a cynical view of democracy. It suggests that the concept of democracy assumes the common people possess knowledge about their desires and should obtain those desires, even if the consequences are challenging or detrimental. It implies that democratic systems may lead to unanticipated difficulties or negative outcomes because the populace's collective decisions are not always well-informed or rational. Mencken's quote highlights the inherent complexities and risks of democracy, questioning the notion that the majority always knows what is best for them.