"Notes on Democracy" by H. L. Mencken is an essay that takes a hard look at democracy and its consequences. It's a critical examination that begins by describing the rise of democracy in Western countries and the idea of the "democratic man" as someone naturally good and wise. However, the author challenges this rosy picture, suggesting that early supporters of democracy were overly idealistic about the common people. The essay argues that many popular beliefs about democracy are based on emotional ideas rather than facts, claiming that "democratic man" cares more about getting what he wants than understanding politics or doing what's right. This sets the stage for a critical analysis of how democracy really works, and the problems that can occur when people who aren't informed have too much influence on important choices.
Notes on democracy
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
A sharp critique dissects the idealized image of democracy, revealing a world where the desires of the masses may overshadow true understanding and moral judgment.
Summary
About the AuthorHenry Louis Mencken was an American journalist, essayist, satirist, cultural critic, and scholar of American English. He commented widely on the social scene, literature, music, prominent politicians, and contemporary movements. His satirical reporting on the Scopes Trial, which he dubbed the "Monkey Trial", also gained him attention. The term Menckenian has entered multiple dictionaries to describe anything of or pertaining to Mencken, including his combative rhetorical and prose style.
Henry Louis Mencken was an American journalist, essayist, satirist, cultural critic, and scholar of American English. He commented widely on the social scene, literature, music, prominent politicians, and contemporary movements. His satirical reporting on the Scopes Trial, which he dubbed the "Monkey Trial", also gained him attention. The term Menckenian has entered multiple dictionaries to describe anything of or pertaining to Mencken, including his combative rhetorical and prose style.
More Like This
Explore books similar to the one you're viewing
Prejudices, fifth series
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
Democracy in France. January 1849
By François Guizot
Appletons' Popular Science Monthly, November 1899 Volume LVI, No. 1
By Various
The Unfinished Programme of Democracy
By Richard Roberts
The Soul of Democracy The Philosophy of the World War in Relation to Human Liberty
By Edward Howard Griggs
An essay on the American contribution and the democratic idea
By Winston Churchill
More by This Author
Discover other books written by the same author
Prejudices, second series
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
A Book of Prefaces
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
Prejudices, first series
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
The American Language A Preliminary Inquiry into the Development of English in the United States
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
Europe After 8:15
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
Prejudices, third series
By H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken
Related by Category
Discover books in the same genre or category
In the Fourth Year: Anticipations of a World Peace
By H. G. Wells
The Spartan Twins
By Lucy Fitch Perkins
A voyage round the world in the years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV
By George Anson Anson
Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland Collected Entirely from Oral Sources
By John Gregorson Campbell
The life savers of Cape Cod
By J. W. (John Wilfred) Dalton
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 4 (of 6)
By Robert Southey