"It is important to remember that some of the most serious thinkers once thought that democracy was not compatible with the cultures of Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America and Russia"
- Natan Sharansky
About this Quote
In this quote, Natan Sharansky reminds us of the previous beliefs held by prominent thinkers that democracy was not appropriate for certain cultures. He highlights Germany, Italy, Japan, Latin America, and Russia as examples of nations where democracy was once thought to be incompatible. This statement acts as a suggestion that even the most respected and major minds can be wrong in their presumptions and perceptions. It also stresses the value of difficult and questioning standard beliefs and ideologies, as they may not always be precise or applicable in different contexts. Eventually, Sharansky's words prompt us to keep an open mind and not restrict ourselves to presumptions about what is possible in various cultures and societies.
"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday"
"Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"In thinking about nanotechnology today, what's most important is understanding where it leads, what nanotechnology will look like after we reach the assembler breakthrough"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
