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But democracy isn't a state of perfection. It has to be improved, and that means constant vigilance.

Democracy allows rhetoric, false empathy and emotion to pummel rational thinking - so it's no wonder so many politicians thrive in it.

Democracy is difficult and demanding. So is history. It can crack your voice; it can stir your soul; it can break your heart.

Democracy, loudly upheld as a cure for much of the ailing world, has proved no guarantor of political wisdom, even if it remains the least bad form of government.

Democracy is still a radical idea in a world where we often confuse images with realities, words with actions.

Democracy's a very fragile thing. You have to take care of democracy. As soon as you stop being responsible to it and allow it to turn into scare tactics, it's no longer democracy, is it? It's something else. It may be an inch away from totalitarianism.

There is a danger in democracy itself.

Without an educated populace, democracy cannot sustain itself.

Democracy is a destiny of humanity which cannot be averted. It can be delayed but not defeated.

Sometimes it's better to have a benign dictator than a dumb democracy, to be honest.