Quote by Rosa Luxemburg
Without general elections, without unrestricted freedom of press and assembly, without a free struggle of opinion, life dies out in every public institution, becomes a mere semblance of life, in which only the bureaucracy remains as the active element. Public life gradually falls asleep, a few dozen party leaders of inexhaustible energy and boundless experience direct and rule. Such conditions must inevitably cause a brutalization of public life: attempted assassinations, shootings of hostages, etc.
Summary
This quote highlights the importance of democratic elements, such as general elections, freedom of press and assembly, and the free exchange of ideas, in sustaining a vibrant and functioning society. It suggests that in the absence of these democratic principles, public institutions become lifeless shells dominated by a powerful bureaucracy. As public life becomes stagnant, a small group of energetic party leaders assume control, leading to a deterioration of the overall atmosphere. The quote argues that such circumstances breed violence and a decline in civil discourse, emphasizing the vital role that democratic institutions play in promoting societal well-being and preventing a brutalization of public life.
Topics
Tyranny
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