"Democracy is also a form of worship. It is the worship of Jackals by Jackasses"

H.L. Mencken's quote is a cynical view of democracy. He is suggesting that democracy is a kind of worship, but not in the conventional sense. Instead, he is suggesting that democracy is a kind of praise of the effective by the helpless. He is implying that the effective, or "jackals," are the ones who remain in control and the helpless, or "jackasses," are the ones who are blindly following them. This quote suggests that democracy is a system of control, where the effective are able to control the helpless into doing their bidding. Mencken's quote is a stark reminder of the power dynamics that exist in a democracy and how those characteristics can be used to control the masses. It is a pointer that democracy is not constantly a fair system and that those in power can utilize it to their benefit.