"Neither current events nor history show that the majority rule, or ever did rule"
- Jefferson Davis
About this Quote
In this quote, Jefferson Davis is revealing his belief that the bulk does not always rule in society, in spite of what current events or history might suggest. He is suggesting that the concept of majority rule is not constantly precise or reasonable, which there are circumstances where the minority may hold more power or impact. Davis might be referencing his own experiences as the president of the Confederate States of America throughout the Civil War, where the minority (the Confederacy) battled versus the majority (the Union). He is likewise challenging the notion that history is always composed by the victors, suggesting that there may be alternative viewpoints and voices that are not represented in the dominant narrative. Overall, Davis is questioning the validity and dependability of the idea of bulk rule.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"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"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"
