"When public men indulge themselves in abuse, when they deny others a fair trial, when they resort to innuendo and insinuation, to libel, scandal, and suspicion, then our democratic society is outraged, and democracy is baffled"
- J. William Fulbright
About this Quote
This quote by J. William Fulbright speaks with the value of maintaining democratic worths in society. He is alerting versus the threats of public figures taking part in abusive habits, rejecting others a reasonable trial, and using innuendo and insinuation to spread out libel, scandal, and suspicion. He is highlighting that when these habits take place, it is an affront to democracy and undermines its core worths. He is recommending that if we wish to keep a democratic society, we must guarantee that public figures are held responsible for their actions which everybody is offered a fair trial. This quote functions as a reminder that democracy is vulnerable and need to be protected and appreciated in order for it to grow.
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"
"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"